Verifying downloads

In plain words

Wallet software is a thief's favorite door: poison one download and they hold your keys. Honest projects sign their releases so you can check two things — the file arrived whole, and it truly came from its makers. The habit that matters most is free: download only from the project's real site, typed or bookmarked, never from a search ad. For serious money, learn the full signature check.

Why it matters

• Fake wallets and poisoned installers are recurring, documented attacks.
• A checksum costs seconds. A drained wallet is forever.
• Verification is how open source earns trust. Use it.

Go deeper

• Phishing
• Bitcoin Core
• Common scams