What Is a Seed Phrase and Why Is Its Security Paramount?

A seed phrase (or recovery phrase) is a sequence of 12 to 24 words that serves as the master key to all the cryptocurrency funds associated with a wallet. It is paramount because anyone who possesses the seed phrase can fully restore and gain control of the wallet's funds, regardless of physical location.

Loss of the seed phrase means permanent loss of funds, and its compromise means immediate theft risk. It must be stored offline and securely.

Why Is the Order of Words in a Seed Phrase Important?
What Is a “Seed Phrase” (Or Recovery Phrase) and How Is It Used?
What Is a Passphrase (25th Word)?
How Does the Concept of ‘Counterparty Risk’ in Derivatives Contrast with ‘Key Compromise Risk’ in Crypto?
Why Should a Seed Phrase Never Be Stored Digitally or Online?
What Is the BIP39 Standard for Seed Phrases?
What Is the Mathematical Basis for the Security of a 12-Word Seed Phrase?
What Is the Role of a Seed Phrase (Or Recovery Phrase)?

Glossar