Part 4/10:
The Cold Card Q features a two-part PIN entry process for added security. When entering the PIN, users first input a prefix; the device then displays two unique words associated with that prefix, serving as a visual confirmation that the device is genuine and unaltered. Only after verification should the user proceed to enter the suffix part of the PIN. This step helps prevent phishing attacks and ensures the user is interacting with an authentic device.
Generating and Backing Up Seed Words
Once the PIN is set, users can create a new seed phrase, choosing between 12 or 24 words—Bart prefers 12 for simplicity and sufficient security. The device generates the seed words, which must be carefully written down and stored securely; digital storage is strongly discouraged to prevent hacks.