Welcome to the **Digital Citadel Protocol Setup**. Please follow the guided steps carefully to ensure maximum security and operational integrity of your new hardware unit. This process establishes your cryptographic keys and ensures your complete control over the device. Do not proceed in a public setting or on an untrusted network.
Before connecting your device, **rigorously inspect the packaging**. Ensure that the seals are intact, show no signs of tampering, and that the holographic security sticker is present and undamaged. The box should contain the main unit, a USB cable, and two 'Recovery Sheet' cards. Any indication of prior opening should halt the process immediately. If you suspect tampering, **do not proceed** and contact your vendor or the official support channel immediately for a replacement. This step is the most critical physical security layer.
The device itself should be pristine, with no scratches or marks that suggest use. Verify the serial number on the device matches any documentation. The micro-USB or USB-C port should be clean and clear of debris. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the physical buttons and screen before powering it on. Remember, your physical security is the foundation of your digital defense.
Download and install the **latest version of the official Bridge application** from the authorized source. Connecting the device before installing the software can sometimes lead to driver issues. Once the software is installed, ensure your operating system is fully updated to minimize known vulnerabilities. Use the provided USB cable to connect the device directly to a **trusted, dedicated port** on your computer. Avoid USB hubs or external docks, as these can occasionally introduce data latency or communication errors. Upon connection, the device screen should power on and display a welcome message, typically reading "Ready to Begin" or "New Device Detected."
The Bridge application should automatically detect the hardware. A popup notification confirming the device's connection status is expected. If the application prompts you for an update, accept it immediately. The latest firmware is crucial for securing against recently discovered exploits and ensuring optimal functionality. Do not bypass any update prompts. It's recommended to disable any VPN or network proxies during the initial connection phase to avoid communication timeouts.
The accompanying software will now perform an **integrity check**. This process verifies that the firmware loaded on the device is the genuine, official, and most recent version released by the manufacturer. This check is performed cryptographically. The software will display a unique signature or hash that you should visually compare against a known, public signature on the official website. This verification step is a safeguard against supply-chain attacks where malicious firmware might have been pre-installed. Do not skip this manual verification.
If the integrity check fails, or if the displayed signature does not match the official one, **discontinue the setup immediately**. A mismatch indicates a severe security risk. If the check passes, the device is now ready for the crucial **Seed Generation Phase**. This phase is where your security is truly defined. All subsequent steps must be performed in a private, secure environment where no cameras or recording devices are present. This environment should be free from any third-party observation or interference.
The next steps are irreversible and determine the permanent security of your device. **Your Recovery Phrase is your master key.** Anyone who possesses this phrase gains immediate, absolute control over your digital assets. It must **never** be digitized, photographed, stored in a cloud service, or entered into any computer. Only use the provided physical cards and a pen for writing it down.
Initiate the **Seed Generation** on the device's screen. The hardware unit itself will generate a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words using a true random number generator (TRNG) based on quantum processes or thermal noise. This phrase is the only backup of your private keys. The words will be displayed one by one on the device's small screen, **not** on your computer monitor. This isolation is a key security feature to prevent screen-scraping malware.
Prepare the provided **Recovery Sheet** cards and a new, non-erasable pen. As each word appears on the screen, meticulously write it down in the corresponding numbered space on the first card. Double-check your spelling for every single word. Many recovery issues stem from a simple, single-letter transcription error. Use clear, legible handwriting. Do not rush this process. Consider the time spent here as the most valuable investment in your future security.
Once all words have been written down, the device will prompt you to **verify the recovery phrase**. This crucial step involves the device showing a series of random numbers (e.g., "Enter Word #5, #11, and #22"). You must now reference your handwritten card and enter the corresponding words back into the device using the physical buttons. **Your computer software is not involved in this process.** This verifies that you correctly transcribed the phrase and that the device successfully generated it.
A successful verification confirms the phrase is correct. If verification fails, the device will often prompt you to start the generation process over, emphasizing the critical nature of perfect transcription. **Do not dismiss a failed verification.** If you are confident you made a mistake, clear the device memory (if prompted) and generate a **new, completely different** set of words. Never rely on a phrase you are uncertain about. Once confirmed, you have successfully secured the device's private key.
The final step in this phase is to set a **PIN (Personal Identification Number)** for physical access. This PIN prevents an unauthorized person from using the device if it is physically lost or stolen. The device will display a scrambled number pad on its screen. The computer screen will show a corresponding but different scrambled keypad. You will look at the device's screen to see the number positions, but click the corresponding positions on the computer screen. This anti-keylogging mechanism ensures that even if your computer has screen-capturing malware, your actual PIN is not compromised.
The PIN should be robust—**a minimum of 6 to 9 digits is strongly recommended**. Avoid sequential numbers (e.g., 123456) or easily guessed dates. You will be asked to enter the PIN twice for confirmation. Once the PIN is set, the device is initialized and secured. You will receive a final confirmation message on both the device and the Bridge application, and the device name can be personalized if desired.
Initialization is complete, but security is an ongoing process. Your primary defense is the secure storage of your Recovery Phrase. This phase details essential best practices for long-term security. The digital security of your device is only as strong as the physical security of your backup.
Regularly (at least every 6 months) check the official website for firmware updates. Always perform updates through the official Bridge application. Never download firmware from third-party sites. Periodically connect your device to ensure it remains operational and that you recall your PIN. Practice using a *passphrase* feature if your device supports it, as this adds an extremely powerful layer of plausible deniability and security, turning your 12 or 24 words into a virtually unbreakable key.
The Passphrase is a word or short sentence that you choose, and it acts as an *additional* word on top of your standard 12/24 word recovery phrase. **Crucially, the Passphrase is NOT backed up by your written words.** If you forget your Passphrase, the funds secured by it are permanently lost. It is the most powerful security feature, but it must be memorized perfectly.
Your journey into secure digital asset management has begun. By following these rigorous protocols, you have established a strong foundation. Continuous vigilance, adherence to best practices, and a healthy skepticism toward digital threats are your final, permanent layers of defense. Trust your hardware, but never trust a digital prompt that asks for your private keys or recovery words.
Proceed to Wallet Dashboard