3️⃣ After Setup

🤔 If I wanted to unplug CipherStick and use the computer for another task will the core download just restart where it left off on the next time I log in?

🤔 How do I update CipherStick?

🤔 How can I copy the block chain from a Bitcoin node I already have?

🤔 How do I make a backup CipherStick?

🤔 How should I handle my backup CipherStick?

🤔 Want to share a ready-to-use CipherStick clone?

If I wanted to unplug CipherStick and use the computer for another task will the core download just restart where it left off on the next time I log in?

If you shutdown Bitcoin Core safely, waiting for it to exit before shutting down Tails (from the menu in the upper right) it will resume where you left off the next time you start Tails, unlock its Persistent Storage, and connect to Tor. If you shutdown Tails without exiting Bitcoin Core safely, or by yanking the USB stick out, it is possible to corrupt the blockchain database and lose your progress. Only remove the USB to shutdown Tails in an emergency.

How do I update CipherStick?

Click Applications > Favorites > CipherStick > Settings > Update CipherStick. Make sure you still Trust this repository and it has retained a good reputation before doing so.

How can I copy the block chain from a Bitcoin node I already have?

By copying the blocks and chainstate folders from your Bitcoin data directory. If you don’t trust this node is not compromised, do NOT do this, wait for CipherStick to synchronize.

External drive: Plug it in while Tails is running. Use the Files browser to copy the chainstate and blocks folders to ~/Persistent/.bitcoin.

Internal drive: Read Accessing the internal hard disk first. You must restart and set an administration password on the Welcome Screen. Then you can access the internal drive in the Files browser to copy the chainstate and blocks folders to ~/Persistent/.bitcoin/.

How do I make a backup CipherStick?

Get a USB stick at least the same size as your current CipherStick then:

  1. Close Bitcoin Core (Ctrl+Q)
  2. Wait for it to shutdown safely
  3. Applications > Tails Cloner
  4. Check “Clone the Current Persistent Storage”
  5. Select your target USB stick (or SD card)
  6. You will be prompted for a passphrase
  • We recommend using the same one as the current Persistent Storage so that it is easier to remember
  • You could use an off-site codex32 share as the passphrase if you’re worried about forgetting your passphrase
    • Just don’t store that share in the same place as the backup USB stick!!
  1. The device will be turned into an exact copy of your current CipherStick.
  2. Test it if you’d like, then store it some place cool and safe from tampering.

If you want to use a smaller USB stick for the backup you may have to prune your current block chain data first so that it will fit. You can find this setting in Bitcoin Core > Options.

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How should I handle my backup CipherStick?

  1. Keep it under lock and key and/or hidden and ideally in a tamper evident way.
    • If someone skilled tampers with your CipherStick and you use it without noticing they could monitor your activity or steal your bitcoins.
    • This is true of all Bitcoin wallet hardware, I am just honest, unlike some marketers.
  2. Keep it cool, high temperatures can cause premature data loss.
  3. Make your backup CipherStick look different from your current CipherStick.
  4. We recommend using the same passphrase as your current Tails so it is easier to remember.
  5. Update or create a new backup CipherStick at least every 6 months, more often without A/C.
  6. You can use a third USB stick to create a new backup CipherStick to quickly replace an off-site backup CipherStick.

Want to share a ready-to-use CipherStick clone?

To share this free open-source software with family and friends, choose Applications ▸ Office ▸ CipherStick ▸ Clone.

CipherStick Cloning Benefits

- Sharing hand-to-hand prevents censorship and surveillance.
- Cloning CipherStick saves them considerable setup time and boosts your backup resillience. A win-win situation!