Principles of using BIP32 mnemonics

rinayhiron

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Jul 30, 2024
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The principles of BIP32 mnemonics mainly revolve around their generation, storage, use, and security. The following are the principles summarized based on the BIP32 (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 32) standard and related mnemonic generation standards (such as BIP39):

1. Mnemonic generation

Randomness and unpredictability: Mnemonics should be generated by a random algorithm to ensure that the selection of each word is random and cannot be predicted. This helps prevent malicious users from obtaining mnemonics through guessing or statistical means.
Length standardization: The BIP39 standard stipulates that the number of mnemonics should be between 12 and 24, and these words are selected from a predefined vocabulary. The size of the vocabulary and the selection criteria are designed to improve the memorability and security of mnemonics.
Checksum: The last word of the mnemonic is usually used as a checksum to verify the correctness of the previous words. This helps prevent errors when transcribing or entering the mnemonic.

2. Mnemonic storage

Secure storage: The mnemonic is the only credential to access the wallet and the assets therein, so it must be stored securely. It is recommended to use a combination of physical methods (such as paper backups) and digital methods (such as encrypted storage devices) for storage.
Multiple backups: In order to prevent the loss or damage of a single backup, it is recommended to make multiple backups and store the backups in different secure locations.

3. Use of mnemonics

One-time use: When possible, avoid reusing mnemonics to generate new wallets or keys. This helps reduce the risk of private key leakage.
Confidentiality: Mnemonics must be kept confidential and must not be disclosed to anyone. Anyone who knows the mnemonics can access your wallet and the assets in it.

4. Security

Tamper-proof: Ensure that the mnemonics are not tampered with during generation, storage, and use. Any modification to the mnemonics may result in inaccessible wallets or loss of assets.
Anti-brute force cracking: The BIP39 standard enhances the security of mnemonics by using key stretching algorithms such as PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2) to increase the difficulty of brute force cracking.

5. Follow the BIP32 standard

Deterministic wallet: The BIP32 standard defines the generation rules of deterministic wallets, so that multiple private keys can be derived from a common seed (generated by mnemonics). This helps to simplify the wallet management and backup process.
Hierarchical key structure: The BIP32 standard supports a hierarchical key structure, allowing subkeys and grandchild keys to be derived from the master key (generated by mnemonics). This structure helps to achieve more fine-grained permission control and address management.

In summary, the principles of using BIP32 mnemonics include ensuring the randomness, security, confidentiality of mnemonics and following the BIP32 standard. These principles together constitute an important cornerstone for protecting the security of digital currency wallets and assets.

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