Hidden as colors, crypto seed phrases could hide in plain sight, says dev

A freshly released tool called “BIP39 Colors” is turning Bitcoin (BTC) and other crypto wallet seed phrases into colors– giving users a potentially brand-new method to hold their funds in cold storage.The designer, only understood as Entero Positivo– Spanish for “favorable integer”– launched BIP39 Colors on June 25, which helps equate a 12- or 24-word wallet seed expression into a relatively random and simple range of colors.Speaking to Cointelegraph, Positivo said he developed the tool because seed phrases will always need to be backed up someplace physically and somebody “seeing something with 12 or 24 written words is very apparent.” Where and how do I save my words? Written on paper?

Explaining how it works, Positivo said the tool converts BIP39 words– the 2,048-long list of words used to develop seed phrases– into eight or 16 colors along with their hex codes depending on if a 12- or 24-word expression is used.An example of a color palette produced utilizing 12 random BIP39 words. It also dictates the position of that word in the seed phrase.Related: Bitcoin has actually gone into a civil war– Over art” The colors are created in such a method that they bring part of the information of the position occupied by the BIP39 words and info related to their position,” he explained.This permits for the phrase to be backed up “in a disorderly method and in a number of different locations,” and as “colors are everywhere,” it can make keeping a seed expression “less obvious to any hacker or thief who gains access to our house or computer system. Rather it must be downloaded and used offline, or much better yet, the color example can even be created by hand utilizing a calculator.Though it occurs rarely, crypto users have had their whole seed expressions exposed publicly before.In a viral video in late 2022, a Nevada authorities officers body electronic camera footage accidentally caught a look of a suspects seed phrase composed on a slip of paper.

Describing how it works, Positivo said the tool transforms BIP39 words– the 2,048-long list of words used to produce seed phrases– into 8 or 16 colors alongside their hex codes depending on if a 12- or 24-word phrase is used.An example of a color palette generated using 12 random BIP39 words. It likewise dictates the position of that word in the seed phrase.Related: Bitcoin has actually gone into a civil war– Over art” The colors are created in such a way that they bring part of the info of the position inhabited by the BIP39 words and info associated to their position,” he explained.This enables for the expression to be backed up “in a disorderly way and in numerous different locations,” and as “colors are everywhere,” it can make keeping a seed expression “less apparent to any hacker or thief who acquires access to our home or computer system. Rather it ought to be downloaded and utilized offline, or better yet, the color swatch can even be created by hand using a calculator.Though it happens infrequently, crypto users have had their entire seed phrases exposed publicly before.In a viral video in late 2022, a Nevada cops officers body camera video inadvertently captured a peek of a suspects seed phrase written on a slip of paper.

Other Questions People Ask

How does the tool "BIP39 Colors" help in hiding crypto seed phrases?

The tool "BIP39 Colors" transforms traditional 12- or 24-word crypto seed phrases into a series of colors, making them less obvious and easier to store discreetly. By converting the seed phrases into eight or sixteen colors along with their hex codes, users can back up their phrases in a way that is not immediately recognizable. This method allows for the seed phrase to be stored in various locations without drawing attention, as colors are ubiquitous in everyday life.

What are the benefits of using colors to store crypto seed phrases?

Using colors to store crypto seed phrases offers several advantages, primarily enhanced security and discretion. Since colors can be easily integrated into everyday items and environments, they reduce the likelihood of attracting unwanted attention from potential hackers or thieves. Additionally, this method allows users to back up their seed phrases in a disordered manner, further complicating any attempts to decipher the information.

Can I create my own color palette for my crypto seed phrase?

Yes, you can create your own color palette for your crypto seed phrase using the BIP39 Colors tool or even manually with a calculator. The tool provides a systematic way to convert BIP39 words into colors, ensuring that the position of each word is preserved. This flexibility allows users to customize their backup method while maintaining the security of their seed phrases.

Why is it important to keep crypto seed phrases secure?

Keeping crypto seed phrases secure is crucial because they serve as the keys to accessing and managing your cryptocurrency holdings. If someone gains access to your seed phrase, they can easily steal your funds without any recourse. The innovative approach of using colors to disguise these phrases helps mitigate the risk of exposure, especially in situations where written words might be inadvertently revealed.

What should I do if I accidentally expose my crypto seed phrase?

If you accidentally expose your crypto seed phrase, it's essential to act quickly to protect your assets. Immediately transfer your funds to a new wallet with a different seed phrase to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, consider using tools like BIP39 Colors in the future to enhance the security of your seed phrases and avoid similar incidents.