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Review: Billfodl Crypto Recovery Phrase Protection
So, you’ve got yourself set up with a self-custody hardware or software crypto wallet which is a great start when it comes to keeping your coins safe!
But now you need to think about protecting your wallet recovery seed phrase – the only thing standing between you and a lost fortune.
Writing out multiple copies of this 12-24 word mnemonic and storing them in different locations is one way of adding an extra layer of security, but it also increases the risk of it falling into the wrong hands.
Instead of worrying about these bits of paper getting lost, stolen, damaged or incinerated, you could use a metal seed tablet, such as the Billfodl.
The Billfodl enables you to write your phrase using metal letters which are locked into a secure, fire-proof steel case and can then be locked away in a safe place.
DISCLAIMER: Privacy Pros, the company which produces the Billfodl, were kind enough to send me a Cyber Security Bundle for the purposes of this review.
Billfodl – at a glance
Key facts:
- Cost: £112 / $138 (Billfold on its own – £80 / $99)
- Layout: Slot for every four words.
- Material: Fireproof, waterproof and shockproof 316-grade stainless steel
- Supports: 12-24-word BIP39 recovery seeds
- Size: 58 x 104 x 5mm
- Weight: 400g
Unboxing
The Billfodl Cyber Security Bundle contains everything you need to keep your crypto wallet recovery phrase – sometimes call a seed phrase or recovery mnemonic – safe.
It includes a Billfodl stainless steel tablet, 1 small and 1 large Faraday bag, 1 Billfodl wall mount, a lock and key and 10 tamper-proof stickers.
The Faraday bags shield electronic devices from radio frequency signals and other potential sources of malicious attack.
They can be used in conjunction with the Billfodl to store your crypto hardware wallet, such as Ledger or Trezor.
Look and feel
Everything about the Billfodl bundle feels premium, even down to the packaging it arrives in.
I felt that I was getting a complete solution, with each item made to a high standard giving me confidence in the product’s durability.
The addition of the lock and key, together with tamper proof stickers, is a nice touch to what is an already impressive product.
Using the Billfodl
Adding your recovery phrase to the Billfodl is extremely simple, but you need to double check each letter as each slot holds four words.
To get started, simply slide open the phrase panel from inside the main tablet and loosen the retaining screw in the top right hand corner.
Then, flip open the end panel and start slotting the letters in, making sure that the order of the words is correct as well.
This part is time-consuming, but you’ll only need to do it once (as long as you stick with the same wallet).
One thing that differentiates Billfodl from the competition is the quality of the steel letters – they’re thicker and not as sharp to use compared with other products on the market.
Once you’ve finished and you’ve double and triple checked that all the words are correct, close the end guard and screw the cover back in place.
You can then insert the padlock into the machined hole which keeps the device safe from prying eyes.
How secure is the Billfodl?
Very. The materials have been selected to be incredibly durable and should withstand most situations.
You could always buy a couple and keep a copy of your phrase on each before putting them in separate locations if you need even more security.
Just remember, the greater the number of copies you have of your recovery phrase the more potential there is for it to fall into the wrong hands.
Overall verdict
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to picking a seed phrase recovery solution, but the Billfodl should definitely be on your shortlist.
The bundle I was sent had everything in it to ensure your recovery phrase – and your crypto hardware wallet – is kept secure and safe from hackers and thieves.
While you may think it’ll never happen to you, I get a steady stream of people contacting me who’ve had their crypto stolen in some way or another, including people known to them stealing their access details.
So, for a relatively small outlay, why not reduce the risk?
A few minutes of your time securing your mnemonic could save you heartache and tears in the future if you lose your Bitcoin or it’s stolen from you.
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Disclaimer: Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
