ICP custody options
From Internet Computer Wiki
Options: Maximum ease or maximum control?
To custody your ICP, you have many options, each with different security and usability trade-offs. Choosing your setup is usually where people get most stuck.
Summary of the range of options available to you depending on your comfort level
Examples if you prefer to have third-party custody of your keys
Examples if you prefer to have maximum control of your keys
Maximum Ease Option
Use Internet Identity with the NNS frontend dapp.
ICP Custody with NNS frontend dapp
Traits
- Most convenient. Entirely web-based. No need to download or install anything.
- NNS frontend dapp has all the functionality you need
- This is a very common method
- Ideal for people who want to want the easiest path to control their ICP
Maximum Control Option
Use your `seed phrase` directly with a few options for self-custody tools.
Traits
- This option requires more technical understanding
- User has the most control over their ICP.
- This is the *safest* option from a software point of view because the user is relying on less software surface area, but it is the *riskiest* from a human point of view in that it puts the risk of the user's `seed phrase` and `private key` custody on them.
- Ideal for people who want as much control over their ICP as possible