Verifying Hardware Wallet Firmware: What Really Happens

To ensure that the firmware installed on a hardware wallet is actually the official and secure version from the manufacturer, you can verify the hardware wallet firmware. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the two verification processes using the Specter DIY firmware as an example. We'll explain the importance of signing and hash verification and how these steps help ensure the integrity of the software.

Why verifying hardware wallet firmware is so important

A hardware wallet protects your Bitcoin from theft and hacks. To keep the wallet secure, the software running on it must be trustworthy and unaltered. This is where hardware wallet firmware verification comes in. Without this verification, malicious software could gain access to your wallet, which would have serious consequences—in the worst case, you could lose your coins.

The goal of verification is to ensure that the firmware you are installing is truly the original version created by the developer and has not been tampered with by third parties.

What does verifying hardware wallet firmware mean?

Verifying the hardware wallet firmware takes place in two steps: Signature verification and Hash checkBoth methods work together to ensure that the firmware is authentic.

1. Signature verification – Who wrote it?

Imagine you receive a letter claiming to be from a friend. How do you verify that it's really from that friend and not forged by someone else? This is exactly how signature verification works.

The developer of the Specter DIY firmware – in our case Stepan Snigerev – signs the code with a private keyThis private key is unique and secret, similar to a personal signature or a seed phrase. When you receive the firmware, you can use a public key Check the firmware, which is freely accessible. If the signature matches the software, you know: This firmware really comes from Stepan and hasn't been modified.

Example:

• Stepan signs the firmware with his private key.
• You use the public key to verify the signature.
• If everything is OK, you know: The firmware is unchanged and secure.

2. Hash check – Has it remained unchanged?

A further step towards verification is the Hash check. The entire firmware is updated using a special function – the so-called Hash function – which creates a unique code, the so-called hash value.

If even a single bit in the firmware changes, a completely different hash value is created. This means that if the hash value you get from the developer's website matches the one in the downloaded firmware, you can be sure that no one has tampered with the code.

Example:

The developer gives you a hash value (a unique code).

You download the firmware from the official website.

You run the firmware through the hash function. If the resulting hash matches the developer's, then nothing has been changed.

What to do after verifying the hardware wallet firmware?

If both tests have been performed and everything is as it should, then the firmware can be installed on the hardware wallet without any concerns.

Visual representation: Two security locks

To explain the two steps of verification visually: Imagine you have two locks on a door. The first key (signature verification) ensures that only the correct owner (the developer) has locked the door. The second lock (hash verification) guarantees that no one has tampered with the door while it was locked.

If both locks are properly closed, you can be sure that no one has tampered with anything – the same applies to firmware verification.

Explanation video

Conclusion: Trust through verification

Firmware verification isn't just an additional step, but an essential measure to ensure the software on your hardware wallet is trustworthy and secure. Signature verification ensures that the firmware comes from the right developer, and hash verification ensures that nothing has been tampered with. This way, you can be sure that your Bitcoin is fully protected.
Here you will find another clear InstructionsHow to verify the Specter DIY firmware.