![cryptocurrency-3412302__480.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmfGLx6XCmuxQwYKL32R8Z7mirgirYPj1yfg7GqupRFSVS/cryptocurrency-3412302__480.jpg)

Everyone knows what it means to have files stored and saved away from the internet. Literally, this is what it means to cold store. 

Cold storage in relation to cryptocurrency is a digital wallet for storing bitcoins and altcoins which is not in anyway connected to the internet. This helps secure owner's coins from hacks or cyber unauthorised access of one's funds(cryptos).

I previously discussed private keys where I mentioned that private keys are required to send and receive payments for two parties;seller and buyer willing and ready to execute transactions between each other. Every wallet has a private key and public addresses; example of public addresses is a bank account number, everybody who operates traditional banking understands this. Without a valid bank account number, you can receive payments or send payments and likewise public addresses you can receive cryptocurrency payments.

Private keys give access to owner's funds just like we access our bank account with password. Private keys stored online are not saved from hackers and they are usually identified with hot wallets. Cold storage is an offline wallet which helps store private keys offline and it secures private keys from attackers. Cold storage can be in form of USB, CD, paper, hard disk or offline computer. The private keys of cold wallets are not connected with any central server which makes it difficult to hack them unless the private keys are personally compromised.