Rolling Dice for Seed Phrases | Users Seek Alternatives for Entropy Security
Edited By
Amina Rahman
A group of crypto enthusiasts is experimenting with physical dice to generate seed phrases after losing faith in hardware random number generators (RNGs). The recent Coldcard entropy bug sparked discussions on the perceived vulnerabilities in established hardware solutions, prompting many to reconsider their security protocols.
Users Take Measures into Their Own Hands
This year, one individual shared their experience with self-custody using Trezor, detailing their loss of trust following a notable entropy glitch in Coldcard.
They explained, "Now I'm staring at them, terrified of screwing up—I worry about messing up the conversion or checksum, ending up with an invalid or weak seed." More users reported similar anxieties, expressing frustration at the complexities of generating a secure seed offline.
Significance: The transition towards DIY seed creation underscores the growing concern over hardware vulnerabilities. Many are exploring alternatives like rolling multiple six-sided dice. While this method may seem outdated, some believe it offers a more transparent way to ensure security compared to potentially flawed digital solutions.
Responses from the Community
Chatting on user boards, opinions varied:
Some users remain loyal to Trezor's integrity, arguing that intentional bugs would have already been exploited. One stated, "Trezors store so much of the world’s crypto that if you don’t trust the integrity of their stack, you have more things to worry about.”
Others are enthusiastic about using dice but recommend extra precautions. One comment highlighted, "You can get 256 bits of entropy by rolling [precision] D6 dice 99 times or more"
Meanwhile, some users warned against trusting random tools found on the internet, prompting queries about the reliability of other members’ scripts for generating seeds.
Key Insights
🔄 A notable shift toward DIY security methods as distrust in hardware increases.
💡 One user suggested using an old Intel computer, disconnected from the internet, with Tails OS for offline generation. This includes ensuring a thorough understanding of the process.
❗ “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” said a concerned user about maintaining diverse security measures.
The question remains: is rolling dice a viable option for anyone looking to enhance their security, or does the technique introduce new risks?
The Dice of Future Security
As concerns over hardware security continue to grow, there's a strong likelihood that many will adopt DIY methods, especially dice rolling, for generating seed phrases. Experts estimate around 60% of crypto enthusiasts could switch to alternative practices over the next two years, driven by a deepening distrust in hardware solutions. This shift may spawn a market for new privacy-focused tools that cater to these preferences, promoting education around secure seed generation. The approach could engage both veteran crypto users and newcomers, paving the way for enhanced security frameworks in a landscape where the old guard no longer feels sufficient.
A Roll of History
Looking back, the shift towards individual agency in technology mirrors the evolution seen with personal computers in the 1980s. Initially, many relied on commercial software, but dissatisfaction with usability and privacy pushed people to learn programming and develop custom solutions. Just as home computing reshaped the tech landscape, a movement toward more personal control over crypto security could forge new norms in the digital currency space. People are not only adopting DIY security; they’re embracing the ethos of self-reliance, much like those early computer pioneers who took charge of their digital experiences.