a swiss army knife of secure backup tools
What it does:
Why you need it:
What it does:
Why you need it:
What it does:
Why you need it:
A big banking family, tech mogul, entrepreneur and an IT specialist.
"I literally own zero cryptocurrency, apart from 0.25 BTC that a friend sent me many years ago. I have no idea where it is." – Elon Musk (2017)
Which wallets are not supported?
SLIP39 (otherwise known as Shamir backup) is not supported. For example, Trezor offers this on their Model T. It is not compatible with this backup system. Also if you're looking to back up a paper wallet, we've also got you covered. There are three tools that make up EncryptFire. The first is called FreezeSeeds and it deals with wallets. The second is called FreezeKeys and it deals with private keys. The third is called FreezeAuth and it deals with online accounts.
How do I know if I can create a hardened backup of my wallet?
Almost every single wallet out there, whether its on a phone or a desktop, software or hardware - can be backed up using this system. Any wallet that uses the BIP39 standard is going to work for you. This includes wallets like Ledger, Trezor, Ellipal, NGRAVE, SecuX, Tangem, Safepal, Keepkey, Bitbox, D'Cent and many, many others. All the software wallets are supported. If you aren't sure, do a search for your wallet name + "BIP39" to see if it uses this standard.
Is EncryptFire a crypto wallet or custodial service?
No. EncryptFire is not a wallet. It is a software tool - a web app that runs locally on your computer, not from a web server on the Internet. With it you can create unlimited hardened backups of your wallets, keys and online accounts including exchanges and 2FA codes. You are the one who holds the keys, not us. We do not store or have access to your data. EncryptFire is a self-custody solution that allows you to take control of your crypto assets.
I'm not very technical. Is this going to be hard to use?
No, EncryptFire is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. The software guides you through the process step by step, and we provide detailed instructions, walkthrough videos (watch on YouTube) and support to help you along the way. You don't need to be a tech expert to use EncryptFire. You can always reach out to us via our support page if you have any questions or need assistance.
How do I know I can trust you?
That's the best part! In the true spirit of the original Bitcoin protocol, NO TRUST IS REQUIRED. The process does not endanger your security, it does the opposite. The steps are clearly explained and you are the one carrying them out, on your own computer - offline. In fact, we deliberately designed this system to be trust-less. In other words, not requiring the trust of a third party.
Is this totally an offline cold storage backup solution?
Yes, if you choose to follow the directions as given, you can create a backup of your wallet that never touches the internet. The system is designed to be used offline. There is however an optional method which allows you to store your seedcodes across multiple encrypted cloud storage locations. This is helpful if you want to be able to update the backup in the future without having to retrieve your USB sticks first. It is just as secure as the offline method, and more convenient. It's up to you which method you choose.
Why did you create this system & do I really need it?
Many people don't obfuscate (make unreadable) their seed words, or encrypt them. Mostly they just hide them and hope nobody finds them. This is a huge security risk. As you know, should someone get hold of your seed words, they can steal your assets. Not to mention catastrophic loss. We designed a simple solution that allows you to create a hardened backup of your seed words for cold storage, and safely store multiple physical copies. Importantly it's simple to use.
I already use Cryptosteel or Billfodl - why do I need this?
This system was made to be a distributed, redundant offline backup. It works alongside physical backup solutions. You ideally want to have a few different locations where your crypto backup is stored in case of natural disasters or home invasion. So, we recommend using this system in addition to any existing backup methods you might already be using. And if you'd like to set up an automated Deadman Switch to pass on your cryptos to friends or family after you're gone, we've got yoou covered. See below for more on this.
OK, say I get EncryptFire - then what?
After you back up your wallets, keys and online accounts using the EncryptFire toolset, your crypto security will be hardened to an extremely high level. You can store your backup in multiple locations, and even partially in the cloud if you choose. You can update your backup in the future without having to retrieve all the USB drives first. You can also set up a Deadman Switch to pass on your cryptos to friends or family after you're gone. Finally, peace of mind. And... your future wealth is secure.
Is this a service? Are there any ongoing costs?
No, EncryptFire is a one-time purchase. There are no ongoing fees or subscriptions. You can use the software as many times as you like, and create as many backups as you need. The only cost is the initial purchase price, and any optional hardware you choose to use for your backups (like USB drives or hardware wallets).
I'm still not sure. What if I mess up and someone hacks me?
The system is designed to be simple to use, and secure. Everything happens offline. You are not required to enter your seed words into the app. The step where you encode your seed words into a list of numbers using your own seed map can be done offline, and independently of the EncryptFire app. Watch the walkthrough video to see how. If you want to be ultra secure you can store your seedcodes by engraving them on a metal sheet or plate. If found, they reveal nothing without the corresponding seedmap, which is encrypted and not stored together with your seedcodes. If you are still unsure, you can always reach out to us for help. Please note that we will never ask you for your seed words, or any other sensitive information. If someone does, it is a scam.
Tell me more about the Deadman Switch
The system was designed for secure backup, fast recovery, and use with an automated system to pass your assets to a third party in case the unthinkable should happen. If you become permanently incapacitated or die, the automated system will follow the rules you set up. Your family will have access to your crypto wealth, on your terms. You set the paramters and boundaries and timing of the transfer. This is commonly called a Deadman Switch. This is a great way to ensure your family has access to your crypto assets if something happens to you.
Who We Are & Our Mission
We are a small group of crypto enthusiasts who have been in the space for several years. I'm Nic Fehlberg –
developer and the founder of Crypto Tools. I have seen many people lose their crypto due to hacks,
theft, and lost seed words. I've also seen people lose their crypto due to failed hardware such as phones
and laptops.
My enthusiasm for the great wealth transfer into this growing digital asset class has led me to focus on a holistic
approach to security practices that are easy to implement and maintain.
Yes, even I lost access to a wallet in the first month I was involved in the space (due to laziness and not having
backup rules in place), going back to early 2017. This taught me a valuable lesson, although I am happy to say
I only had a small amount of crypto in that wallet that would be worthless today (unlike Bitcoin!). After the
bull run later that same year I recognized a need for a better, more reliable system to manage and store keys
and seeds.
OUR MISSION:
1. Help as many people as possible upgrade their wallet backup security
2. Provide mechanisms to pass on crypto to loved ones in the event of death
3. Promote responsible cryptocurrency self-custody