✔️ Information reviewed and updated in September 2024 by Pedro Martínez González
Bitcoin Proof of Reserve is a security tool that allows users to ensure that their Bitcoin wallet has the funds they claim to have without exposing wallet information or private keys. Basically, it involves moving a small amount of Bitcoin to a new address and storing the private key in a secure place, such as a safe or secure vault. The rest of the funds in the wallet can be stored in a cold wallet.
This proof can be useful in situations where a user suspects that their wallet has been compromised or when a user needs to prove possession of a certain amount of Bitcoin to a third party without revealing their wallet information. It can also be a good practice to ensure the safety of funds in the long term.
To perform a proof of reserve, the user must generate a new Bitcoin address and send a small amount of Bitcoin from their primary wallet to the new address. The private key for the new address must then be stored in a secure place, such as a safe or security vault.
It is important to note that Proof of Reserve does not guarantee the complete security of Bitcoin funds, it is just an additional security measure. Users should also ensure that they follow good security practices, such as keeping their private keys safe and using a cold wallet to store large amounts of Bitcoin.
In summary, the Bitcoin reserve proof can be a useful tool to ensure the safety of Bitcoin funds, especially in high-risk situations or to prove possession of certain funds to third parties. However, it is not a complete security solution and users must follow other good security practices to ensure full protection of their funds.