Trezor Security Playbook

Executive summary

Trezor devices provide secure, offline key storage. This playbook condenses practical, operational advice — from initial setup to advanced hardening (passphrases, multisig, air-gapped signing) — so you can choose the right protections for your threat model.

Phase 1 — Acquisition & initial setup

Buy only from the official Trezor store or trusted resellers. On first boot, initialize the device in a secure environment, create a PIN, and generate a fresh recovery seed on-device. Never transfer or photograph the seed.

Phase 2 — Everyday operations

For routine transactions, use Trezor Suite or verified browser integrations. When sending funds, always verify the address and amount on the device screen. For newcomers: test with small amounts before larger transfers.

Phase 3 — Advanced hardening

Consider these techniques for larger holdings or institutional use:

• Passphrase-protected hidden wallets — Adds an extra secret. Use only if you can securely manage the additional secret.
• Multisignature — Distribute signing authority across multiple devices/providers to reduce single-point failures.
• Air-gapped signing — Keep the host machine offline; transfer unsigned transactions via QR code or SD card to the online machine.
• Geographic and custody separation — Split backups across jurisdictions and trusted custodians for inheritance and redundancy.

Incident response & recovery

If the device is lost or stolen, use your recovery seed on a new device immediately to move funds. If you suspect a compromised host, perform a full firmware reinstallation from official sources and restore the seed to a fresh device. If the seed is exposed, assume it is compromised and move funds to a new seed ASAP.

Operational policies

For teams and power users, formalize policies: roles for who may initiate transfers, approval thresholds, and secure channels for signing requests. Regularly audit device firmware versions and maintain an inventory of device serials and their physical locations.

Inheritance & succession

Create an inheritance plan that balances secrecy and recoverability: split the seed among trusted parties using Shamir's Secret Sharing or distribute multiple backups with instructions hidden in a secure legal agreement. Ensure a trusted executor knows how to access funds only after appropriate checks.