In an era of open-source projects, Florin Cocos, an electronics design manager from Romania, demonstrated how any savvy enthusiast could build a cryptocurrency wallet with comparable functionality to that of the renowned Trezor.
Using Trezor’s open-source code which he found on GitHub, he was able to construct his own DIY Trezor Model One, with just electronics components he easily acquired from various suppliers and a printed circuit board from China.
Nonetheless, while such a venture might appear enticing, the feat is not so straightforward. Building a functioning hardware wallet like Trezor from scratch demands a certain level of expertise in electronics. Moreover, Cocos had to invest roughly ten hours to go through the whole process that included building and also installing the firmware on the DIY Trezor wallet.
However, the satisfaction of creating a functional device from scratch outweighs the effort required, according to Cocos. The appeal of open-source designs is gaining momentum, he noted.
While sharing his experience with Cointelegraph, Cocos argued that the accessibility of the Trezor market did not largely influence his decision to build the DIY wallet. Instead, he was keen on promoting open-source projects which he envisions being the future.
The trust and integrity of open-source projects coupled with the gratifying experience of building something with one’s own hands hold greater appeal to Cocos.
Further, he said attempting such a project without proper electronic knowledge could result in severe security risks. The construction of such a wallet entails dealing with ‘surface mount components’ which if not handled correctly, could render the hardware wallet ineffective.
Posing an alternative, Cocos suggests that ‘makers pack’ could be made available including all the requisite manufacturing files. This could potentially abbreviate the construction process, reducing the complexity level significantly. Nonetheless, it would simultaneously compromise on the security aspect.
Yet again, this brings to light the fine balance that needs to be achieved in the blockchain industry between security, user experience, and innovation. It’s a constant tug-of-war – as innovative ideas emerge and get implemented, the responsibility on developers to ensure their blockchain applications remain secure increases.
In conclusion, for those contemplating on embarking on a DIY Trezor project, it’s imperative to weigh the advantages of a homemade wallet against potential security vulnerabilities and the amount of time and expertise required. Ensure to make a decision with a comprehensive understanding of these characteristics.
Source: Cointelegraph
