Instructions for Signatories
copy AND customize for each of your Signatories
dear trusted friend,
intro
recently, I took possession of my Bitcoin.
while this eliminates some risks, it creates others. If I hold all of my own access information, I am a single-point-of-failure. That makes my BTC more vulnerable to physical theft (known as a “Wrench Attack” ).
if you store some of this information (the “seed-words”) for me, my BTC will be much safer. For redundancy, a few of my friends are also securing the same information. You are not solely responsible!
“seed-words” or a “recovery phrase” are simply 12 words.
For example:
to maximize our security —
we need to follow some simple protocols…
Set-Up
to secure our communications —
- install the “Signal” app
- sign up for ProtonMail
both have desktop & mobile versions
Storage
- I send you the 12 words ( #1 — #12 )
- You write them down *on paper*
Note: word-order is Critical !
Verify
now, we need to verify that no one intercepted our communications and tampered with the 12 words. This is called a “Man-in-the-Middle” Attack.
This also verifies that you wrote the 12 words accurately.
video chat — or — voice message
- please, spell each word and use it in a sentence or two…
Storage
next, you need to store the paper (with the “First 12” words)
- in a water-proof bag
- in a safe… somewhere safe…
Access
When I need to access my BTC —
we MUST follow a protocol.
***< This is where you’re discrimination is critical! You must confirm that I am acting of my own free will. If I am being coerced or threatened, I am relying on you to identify this and call the police! >***
please CHECK —
- i MUST message you 2 weeks prior
- i MUST send 3+ audio messages (during those 2 weeks)
- i MUST send 3+ selfies of me in public
- i MUST send 2 videos of me in public
- we MUST video-chat for 3+ minutes
if you think that i’m OK —
- tell/send me the 12 words
if you think that i “might be” in danger —
- call the police — OR — follow our emergency protocols
Emergency
Here, let’s clarify the situation that we are defending against.
Although very improbable, I may be kidnapped.
- I may beg you to tell me the 12 words…
- an Attacker may threaten & scare you…
- I may try to deceive you — by telling you, “everything’s OK ”
PLEASE, do NOT give away these valuable 12 words !!!
- CALL the police immediately!
// ~ insert your emergency protocols here~
** WARNING ! **
By holding this important information, you become a target.
Under duress, I may reveal your name & location.
A sophisticated attacker could find you.
but, i think this is very unlikely…
regular Check-in
- let’s establish a regular check-in // say — weekly
i’ll send you a voice/video message — to show that both myself AND your name/location have Not been compromised…
→ if my weekly Check-in is missed or suspect — take evasive maneuvers to defend yourself, until my condition is known…
this provides you with a warning & puts further restraints upon the Attacker
Inheritance
you may hold a unique “pass-phrase” to unlock your Bitcoin inheritance…
you’ll need —
- your “First 12” seed words (#1 — #12)
- my “Last 12” seed words (#13 — #24)
i will tell you how to get my “Last 12” words
- your unique “pass-phrase” (the #25 word)
*** Be Very Careful — lost or stolen bitcoin are gone forever !…
Guard these 25 words ! — Don’t let anyone see them !
restore
next, you’ll need to “restore” your inheritance wallet
now, you are really using bitcoin, so —
educate yourself !
especially — how to use !
start here — it’s why i love Bitcoin !
when you’re ready —
- buy the SAME hardware devise as me — (provide your device info here)
using the same device prevents any issues with compatibility AND preferably buy it with BTC & get it delivered to a PO BOX to preserve your privacy
- restore your inheritance wallet (with words #1 — #25)
type directly into the devise // NOT into your laptop’s keyboard
- enjoy your Bitcoin inheritance !
Will
if you have a copy of my Will,
- please help to fulfill my last wishes
please, ask me any questions…
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Joe Hodler
