A Primer on Cryptocurrency Wallets
To fully appreciate the effects of cold storage wallets, we have to understand the broader concept of cryptocurrency wallets. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and countless others are represented through digital wallets; they act as personal interfaces to a blockchain's network that allow people to interact with cryptocurrencies. They come in different forms. The three main categories are software wallets (residing on your computer or smartphone), online wallets (accessible via a website). The final major category is hardware wallets (physical devices).
Cold Wallet vs Hot Wallet
In the case of cryptocurrency wallets, two primary categories emerge: hot wallets and cold wallets.Hot wallet, ever-connected to internet, offer convenience and tends to be used for frequent transactions because of its convenience. However, their online nature makes them susceptible to cyber threats, including hacking hence the raising security concerns about them.
Conversely, the cold storage wallets, also referred to as cold wallets, remain disconnected from the internet hence cannot get compromised via online hacking attempts hence giving an extra layer of protection for your cryptocurrencies.
The Essence of a Cold Storage Wallet
A cold storagewallet acts as a sheltering device wherein the private keys - which are the critical information needed to authorize outgoing transactions on the blockchain network - get stored off-line in an offline environment.
They mostly resemble a USB drive hence their familiarity and portability can be nicely plugged into a computer whenever you wish to transact upon cryptocurrencies. Their offline status when not in use shelters them from online threats.
The types of Cold Storage Wallets
Hardware Wallets
Paper Wallets
They're physical documents containing your private keys or indeed QR codes representing your private keys hence they are generated using a program that produces a pair of keys for you to print out. A place where you can get an Ethereum Paper wallet is Myetherwallet. 
Shieldfolio Stonebook
The Shieldfolio Stonebook stands out as a unique cold storage Notebook. This 100% offline Stone paper notebook enables you to back up your crypto and NFT assets on durable, water and tear-resistant pages. It's unhackable, and employs Shieldcrypt, a puzzle like paper encryption for maximum security. This makes it a secure and convenient solution for parking your seed phrases, private keys, and other crucial information compared to cumbersome metal wallets.
Metal Wallets
They resemble paper wallets albeit with greater durability. They involve etching your private keys onto a metal surface meaning to protect against fire, water damage, or otherwise physical harm. One know metal wallet is the CryptoTag.The Advantages of Using a Cold Storage Wallet
These offer numerous benefits, including:Security
Their offline nature makes cold storage wallets immune to online threats such as hacking and phishing attacks.
Control
They give you total control over your cryptocurrencies hence obviate the need to entrust any third party with the safety of your cryptos.
Privacy
Unlike online wallets, which may need your personal information for use, cold storage wallets can be used anonymously.
