Concept Review: B-SSL (Bitcoin Secure Signing Layer) — Covenant-Free Vault Model Using Taproot, CSV, and CLTV

This system utilizes existing Bitcoin technologies like Taproot and specific scripts such as CHECKSEQUENCEVERIFY (CSV) and CHECKLOCKTIMEVERIFY (CLTV) to establish a secure environment for transactions directly on the blockchain. The B-SSL framework is designed around three main spending paths which include a user-initiated path with a configurable delay for everyday transactions, an annual self-rotation path for vault renewal, and a disaster-recovery or inheritance path, activated only under specific conditions such as the user's disappearance.

This architecture not only addresses concerns related to key loss but also incorporates mirrored backups for keys, enhancing the redundancy and security of the system. Moreover, an optional "Convenience Service" (CS) is introduced, operating off-chain to implement delays and send secret notifications, providing additional protection against coercion.

The development of B-SSL is built upon the principles of Miniscript, offering insights into its operational safety, policy expressiveness, and structural integrity. The Miniscript templates, specifically mint-005 found in the GitHub repository, play a crucial role in understanding the B-SSL's design and functionality. These templates demonstrate how miniscripts can be utilized to manage distributed keys effectively, showcasing their potential in creating more decentralized and resilient security mechanisms.

Furthermore, the B-SSL concept emphasizes continuous safety through chained vaults, allowing users to create a series of interconnected vaults with individual key sets. This mechanism ensures that even if the user disappears or fails to act, the funds can still be recovered through legal or cryptographic routes, minimizing the risk of irreversible loss.

At the heart of B-SSL is the primary goal to make total key loss non-fatal while keeping the operations verifiable on the blockchain. It aims to strike a balance between user control and the recoverability of funds, ensuring that custodians cannot misuse their power but can only aid in the recovery process. This approach represents a significant shift in how digital assets are managed, potentially making self-custody more appealing by addressing the common fear of key loss.

In summary, B-SSL stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution in cryptocurrency security, proposing a method where key loss does not equate to fund loss, and user sovereignty is paramount. Its development encourages community feedback to refine the concept further before practical implementation, signifying a collaborative effort to enhance the security frameworks within the Bitcoin ecosystem.