A stark security warning is rippling through the XRP community, issued by respected software engineer and crypto security advocate Vincent Van Code. His message is simple yet powerful: “Private keys should never be accessible via the web.” This declaration, now widely circulating on social media, is prompting fresh scrutiny of how digital assets like XRP are stored and secured.
Private Keys and Internet Exposure: A Dangerous Combination
Vincent’s core message revolves around a fundamental truth in cryptographic security: if your private key is exposed to the internet, even momentarily, it is at risk. He warns that merely copying, storing, or transmitting a private key on a connected device can compromise its integrity. “If your key is sent, copied, or stored, even on your PC, it is at risk,” he wrote in a recent post on X.
This warning isn’t theoretical. In recent years, crypto users across various networks have suffered devastating losses due to key leaks, clipboard hijackers, browser vulnerabilities, and malware. Many believed their keys were safe simply because they used reputable wallet software or hardware devices.
Repeat after me: PRIVATE KEYS SHOULD NEVER BE ACCESSIBLE VIA THE WEB.
If your key is sent, copied or stored, even on your PC, it is at risk.
Only air gapped devices are bulletproof and can only be hacked physically.
Even Ledger, etc while they claim your private keys…
— Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) June 30, 2025
Questioning Hardware Wallet Claims
While hardware wallets like Ledger, Trezor, and others are commonly touted as the gold standard for crypto storage, Vincent challenges the blanket trust users place in them. He points out that while Ledger and similar companies claim that private keys never leave the device, users must take this on faith.
“There is no 100% proof that your private keys aren’t sent,” Vincent remarked, fueling ongoing debate about transparency and auditability in the hardware wallet industry. Although no verified breach of Ledger’s key storage has been made public, the absence of open-source firmware and third-party audits leaves room for doubt, especially among those prioritizing maximum security.
The Air-Gapped Alternative
In contrast, Vincent strongly advocates for air-gapped devices—systems that are completely isolated from any internet or network connection. “Only air-gapped devices are bulletproof and can only be hacked physically,” he asserted, highlighting them as the only truly secure method for private key management.
Air-gapped wallets, often used by institutions or high-net-worth individuals, involve signing transactions offline and broadcasting them separately through QR codes or USB transfers. This ensures the private key never interacts with a connected system, dramatically reducing the attack surface.
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While these setups require more technical know-how and are less convenient for daily use, they remain unmatched in terms of security, a point Vincent is determined to drive home to the XRP community.
Rethinking Convenience in Crypto Security
Vincent’s warning comes at a critical time, as the use of mobile wallets, browser extensions, and web-based exchanges continues to grow. These platforms prioritize user convenience but often sacrifice key security in the process.
His message strikes at the heart of a broader tension in the crypto world: control versus convenience. Self-custody requires discipline, technical awareness, and a willingness to adopt best practices that may feel cumbersome, but the alternative can be catastrophic.
As Vincent Van Code’s comments continue to gain traction, they serve as a vital reminder that in crypto, security isn’t a setting—it’s a lifestyle. For XRP holders, this may be the wake-up call needed to re-evaluate where, how, and with what confidence their private keys are truly secured.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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