A cryptocurrency wallet is software or a hardware device that stores the cryptographic keys used to control digital assets. The coins are not stored in the wallet itself; the wallet manages the private key, public address, and signing process that proves ownership and authorizes transfers. Wallets may be custodial, where a service holds the keys, or non-custodial, where the user controls them directly.
In cyber security, wallets are high-value targets because anyone who steals the private key can move funds without a bank or chargeback process. Malware often looks for wallet files, browser extensions, clipboard data, or seed phrases, while phishing pages try to trick users into revealing recovery words. Defenders reduce risk with hardware wallets, offline seed storage, multi-factor authentication on related accounts, and careful endpoint hygiene. If a device is compromised, any wallet used on it should be treated as exposed.