Cryptotag Zeus starter kit manual
Using Cryptotag Zeus
The Cryptotag Zeus is a titanium casing to safely store the 24 words of your Word Seed. In this manual we explain how to use the Zeus, and give tips for even more security.
Short manual
- Create your word seed via your hardware wallet.
- Convert your 24 words using the BIP39 word list. Each word is converted into 4 digits
- Engrave the numbers in your Zeus. So per word you have 4 numbers.
- Close the Zeus and store it in a safe location.
Cryptotag Zeus Comprehensive Manual
BIP39
The Cryptotag Zeus Titanium Backup works with the so-called BIP39 system. This is a list of 2048 words that each have a unique number. This makes it possible to convert the words to a 4-digit number. For example, the word Satoshi corresponds to the number 1532. The first four characters of the words are all unique, so that with the first 4 characters you always have enough to complete the entire word. This makes it possible to store your word seed safely and securely. Convert all words from your word seed to their 4-digit number. Never store these digitally. With a 24 word seed you would then have 24 numbers of 4 digits each. Tip: Make sure that no one can see this process. This also means no webcams, no telephones, etc.
Engrave
After you have converted the 24 words it is time to engrave them in the titanium plates. Use the supplied puncher for this, with which it is very easy to engrave the BIP39 words. Carefully place the puncher on the correct number and press with some force. The puncher should now click. If the process is going well you will see a clear marking in the titanium plate. You have to do this four times per word. Take your time and do not rush the process. It is essential that you engrave the correct numbers.
Tip: We recommend that after engraving, you do a reverse BIP39 process. By this we mean that you convert the numbers back into words based on your Cryptotag Zeus. Check if the resulting words match your word seed.
Keep safe
The Cryptotag Zeus is now ready! Your words are stored 'forever' in this titanium casing. In the event of fire or water damage, the Zeus will continue to exist, so your words are always safe. When you are sure that the 24 words are stored properly, you can close the 2 titanium plates. You can now safely store the Cryptotag Zeus. Choose a safe place, where no one can get to it, but also a place that you will not forget yourself! One option is to store the Zeus in a safe, or bury it in the garden. At the bottom of this article we give you more tips on how to store your Cryptotag Zeus extra safely.
Tips to keep your Cryptotag Zeus extra safe
The Cryptotag Zeus makes it possible to store your word seed extremely safely. When used properly, it is now resistant to fire damage, water damage, fall damage and all kinds of nonsense. However, you still have to be careful with theft. If your Zeus is stolen, someone with knowledge of the matter can gain access to your crypto. Below we give some tips and ideas. Use these at your own discretion and risk. It depends on the person what works and what doesn't. See here also the instructions for the Zeus.
Think or encode your word list
The BIP39 wordlist is universal and therefore accessible to everyone. This is a very nice and practical way, but it does ensure that if someone gets hold of your backup, they can also convert it to your 24 words. To prevent this, you can consider using your own encryption key or wordlist. Remember to give all numbers +3. Or to do each first letter +5 and the 2nd letter -2. You can't think of anything that crazy. Be careful not to make it too complicated, because in the end you have to remember it yourself!
Use an Advanced Passphrase
Some hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano X wallet, give you the option to use an advanced passphrase. This is an additional password that is added to your word seed. The 24 words alone are therefore not enough to gain access to your cryptocurrencies. This gives you the security of a regular password with the security of your titanium backup on top. Make sure you choose a password that you will not forget, even after 20 years.
Keep it in a safe place
On the internet you can find the craziest hiding places. People who wall the seed backup into their wall, nail it between the wooden floor or bury it in the garden. You can basically use your own creativity to find a place that works for you. Just make sure you are aware of this. Not that the gardener suddenly finds your word seed, or that your backup ends up in the dump during a renovation.