Thank you! I’ll def do some digging!
Discussion
Just make sure to never trust your seed phrases to any password manager app. Stamp them on steel plates, lock them together with a padlock and keep them offsite in a location you have reliable but not too convenient access to. A second backup laminated waterproof, tamper sealed paper copy in a second offsite location like a safety deposit box isn’t a bad idea either. Do the same with two sets of cloned signing devices.
Establish duress words with armed friends if you’re ever being forced into pretending to retrieve your seed plates or your signing devices from their place “because you keep them offsite”. Of course your seed plates or your devices won’t be there, but at least your friend will know when they hear your duress word that you’re in trouble and enroute, so they can call the cavalry or turn the tables on the attacker.
It’s a little extra expense, but I always clone my signing devices so I can sign transactions with either set of them. Keep them separate. Also offsite. With a delay of time involved to get them.
But most of all, be prepared to repel unwanted guests to your home at a moment’s notice. A can of bear spray and some large zip ties within easy reach at all times can buy you the time to GTFO of your house and avoid any activity aimed at pressing you for your keys or forcing you to create a transaction.
And always have instant access to firearms at home and be trained in their use.
Sounds like you’re well prepared for pretty much anything!
Being your own bank also means you are also the bank’s Director of Security. If you live with others, make sure they know the drill too. Not to open doors voluntarily if you’re not home….where the “protection devices” are and how to use them… duress words if they are calling you at work, etc.
The only people that have survived documented $5 wrench attacks that would have resulted in a loss of funds or worse, so far in Bitcoin’s history, have been saved because they were armed. Except one guy that leapt from a balcony and limped to safety.
And don’t make yourself a target by talking about your coins with just anyone either. At some dollar value, most people will start scheming.
PS thanks for the zap! Very kind of you.
Excellent advice!
My oldest ordered a bitcoin sticker to put on his truck… promptly nixed that idea and informed him it’s not something we advertise to the gen pop!
yw!
I would also recommend having a "dummy" passphrase with a much smaller but realistic amount of Bitcoin in it.
This way during a $5 wrench attack situation can be softened by giving up the funds in the "dummy" wallet that you won't cry over.
I have several for various other purposes too
This would be something worth spending some time on.
I just became a hermit in a rural area and nobody knows where I live.
I still encrypt but I don't need the rest as most people will die on their way driving up here anyway.
Not one person knows where you live?