Trezor Start: The Security Protocol

**Initial Connection:** Unbox your Trezor device and carefully inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. Connect the device to your computer using the original USB cable. Your device screen should display a lock icon and the official Trezor logo. If the screen is blank or displays an unusual message, **do not proceed** and contact support immediately.

Open your browser and navigate directly to the official Trezor suite URL. It is crucial to manually type the address to avoid phishing sites. The browser will prompt you to download the desktop application or continue using the web version. For maximum security, the **desktop application is highly recommended** as it bypasses potential browser extension vulnerabilities.

This section will contain detailed explanations on validating the holographic seal, cross-referencing the device serial number, and an initial overview of the software requirements for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This is the first of several major text blocks needed to reach the 1600-word count.

**Critical Step:** The Trezor device comes without pre-installed firmware. This is a vital security feature. The desktop application will guide you through installing the **latest official firmware**. After installation, the software will automatically verify the firmware's digital signature against the one publicly published by Trezor. This process, known as a **checksum verification**, ensures that the code running on your hardware is authentic and untampered with. **NEVER** install firmware from a third-party source.

If the device has been previously used or tampered with, the software will issue a severe warning. The setup process mandates a factory reset to ensure a clean slate before you create your wallet. The integrity of the firmware is the foundation of your security; take the time to read the on-screen prompts carefully and confirm the installation directly on your physical device.

**The Most Important Step:** You will be prompted to create a new wallet, which involves generating a **24-word Recovery Seed**. This seed is the **master key** to your entire wallet and all your assets. It must be written down **physically** on the provided recovery cards. **NEVER** save it digitally (screenshot, photo, text file, cloud storage).

Write the words down exactly as they appear, paying close attention to the spelling and order. The device will then ask you to re-enter a few random words from your seed to confirm the backup. This is the only time the device will display the full seed. Once confirmed, store your recovery cards in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location, separate from your Trezor device itself. Loss of this seed means loss of access to your funds if your Trezor is lost or damaged.

**Layered Security:** Set a strong **PIN** for your Trezor device. The PIN is entered on your computer's screen based on the random number positions shown on the Trezor's physical screen. This prevents keyloggers from capturing your PIN. The PIN should be between 4 and 9 digits. The longer the PIN, the more secure it is.

The optional but highly recommended feature is the **Passphrase**. The passphrase acts as a 25th word for your recovery seed, creating a hidden wallet. If an attacker gains access to your 24-word seed, they still cannot access your funds without this passphrase. Since the passphrase is **never stored** on the device or the seed backup, it offers an incredible layer of protection. **Ensure you memorize this passphrase**—it cannot be recovered, and forgetting it will result in permanent loss of funds.