bitcoin-dev

a simple and easy-to-remember personalized mnemonic generation scheme

a simple and easy-to-remember personalized mnemonic generation scheme

Original Postby symphonicbtc

Posted on: November 7, 2023 17:31 UTC

The ongoing development of wallet systems brings to light the security concerns with allowing users to create their own mnemonic phrases, as highlighted in a discussion about BIP39.

The primary issue with user-generated phrases is the lack of sufficient entropy, which can leave coins vulnerable due to the predictable nature of human-generated randomness. Therefore, BIP39 was intentionally designed to prevent such practices.

Despite these challenges, there is still potential for innovation within the realm of mnemonic generation. One avenue worth exploring is the creation of a system that can generate readable sentences to serve as secure mnemonics. Such a system could enhance memorability without compromising on security, although its feasibility might vary across different languages. For example, implementing this in English appears plausible, but it remains uncertain how well it would translate to languages like Chinese, where linguistic structure and complexity differ significantly.

The conversation underscores the necessity for mnemonics to be randomly generated by the system rather than chosen by the user, respecting the balance between security and usability. This approach not only strengthens the protection of digital assets but also invites further exploration into user-friendly yet secure mnemonic systems that could shape the future of cryptocurrency wallet design.