I was on a Space a few days back, and we were discussing the security of crypto assets and how to avoid getting hacked.
It got me thinking about one important question:
Where exactly are your private keys being kept?
For many crypto wallets, your keys are managed through software on your phone or browser.
But what if your private keys could be protected by a physical device instead?
Thatโs where
@UN_wallet takes an interesting approach.
United Network is building a self-custody wallet in the form of an NFC card.
Your private keys are generated and protected by the secure chip inside the card.
When you want to make a transaction, you tap the card against your NFC-enabled phone and authorize it with your PIN.
The card then signs the transaction.
NFC, or Near Field Communication, is what allows the card and your phone to communicate when they are brought close together.
United Network also supports FIDO-based security, adding another layer to how the card securely authenticates and protects access.
The card doesnโt need a battery, cable, or internet connection to perform the authentication and signing process.
It also supports multiple networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, Tron, TON and others.
You can use it to send, receive, swap and manage assets across supported networks from one interface.
But thereโs an important part of self-custody people shouldnโt overlook.
You are responsible for your recovery phrase.
If you lose the card, your recovery phrase can help you restore access with a replacement card.
But if you lose both the card and recovery phrase, there is no central company that can simply recover your funds for you.
Thatโs the trade-off with self-custody: more control also means more responsibility.
And because the card relies on NFC, the phone you use with it must actually support NFC.
Easy tap. Transaction done.
Your assets stay in your control with United Network.