Bitcoin Q&A: Why Is Seed Splitting A Bad Idea?

In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency security, one topic that frequently emerges from the depths of discussion is the notion of splitting your wallet seed. It's a concept that has garnered attention, especially among those venturing into the realm of digital assets. But let's approach this with utmost care, for Pyrrhos' query beckons: is it truly safe?

The Illusion of Security

Pyrrhos' proposal of dividing a seed into three separate locations may seem akin to Shamir's Secret Sharing Scheme, but let's not be too hasty in deeming it safer. In fact, this practice is a perilous path to tread. A mnemonic phrase serves as a lifeline for your assets, and fragmenting it only weakens this vital link.

True security requires physical fortification. Imagine encasing your seed in unyielding steel, sealing it in an impenetrable container, and stowing it away in a fortified vault. This is the level of safeguarding we should aspire to.

The Perils of Fragmentation

Should you entertain thoughts of further safeguarding your assets, consider employing a passphrase. But remember, this too requires a separate backup, ideally etched in steel and hidden away in a secure sanctuary. Yet, should you find yourself teetering on the edge of paranoia, standards like SLIP-39 come into play.

Shamir's Wisdom

Now, let's unravel the core difference between Shamir's Secret Sharing Scheme and Pyrrhos' proposition. Shamir's brilliance lies in a polynomial function that ensures partial information yields naught. A quorum is the gateway, and anything less renders access futile.

Let's revisit Pyrrhos' split. It's vital to recognize that this division is applied to a 24-word phrase, boasting a whopping 256 bits of entropy. This isn't something you can brute-force. However, consider the share containing keys one through eight and nine through 16. Herein lies the vulnerability.

The Chink in the Armor

This split leaves you with 16 of 24 words, and the missing eight include a crucial checksum. The odds of guessing this word are drastically reduced, and the security plummets. To put it in perspective, brute-forcing 80 bits is light years away from tackling 256 bits. It's not merely three times easier; it's an exponential leap into vulnerability.

Resilience vs. Complexity

Beyond security lies resilience, a facet often overlooked. Complexity, though tempting, can lead to a tangled web. Recovering data becomes a Herculean task, and heirs are left with an enigma. The scheme at hand, while inventive, falls short on both counts.

A Call for Prudence

In this ever-evolving world of digital assets, a word of caution resounds: do not venture into DIY security or cryptography. Instead, heed the wisdom of experts, rely on established standards, and fortify your assets in a manner befitting their significance. The road to true security is paved with knowledge, prudence, and adherence to established protocols.