Self-hosting is a more "pure" form of [[Self Custody|self custody]] where users store and generate their own private keys in an offline or "air-gapped" environment. The key generation process typically involves using open-source software that can be cryptographically checked before being run. This is to ensure that the private keys are not exposed to threats such as malware or hackers. Many users who opt for self-hosting also run full nodes of the respective blockchain network on their own systems. This requires downloading and maintaining a complete copy of the blockchain ledger. >[!Warning] Deploying such setups requires significant technical expertise. Loss or mismanagement of private keys can lead to irreversible loss of assets, and running a poorly secured node could expose one's system to vulnerabilities.