Crypto Passphrase Security: Build It Strong and Back It Up

If you have a wallet like Trezor or Ledger that allows you to create a passphrase to add to the seed phrase wallet, and assuming the seed phrase is stolen, how long would it take to brute-force your passphrase?  Before you choose a new wallet passphrase, check the table below. It shows how long an offline attacker (trying about 1,000 guesses per second realistic for brute-forcing a BIP-39 wallet)- would need to exhaust every possible combo of letters, numbers, and symbols from 4 to 11 characters. Short, single-type strings collapse in minutes; mix UPPER & lower-case, digits, and symbols and even eight characters push cracking into centuries.

Once you’ve picked something strong, commit it to memory and lock it into a Black Seed Ink stainless-steel passphrase backup so fire, water, or clumsy coffee spills can’t wipe out the secret that guards your crypto.

Worst-Case Brute-Force Time to Crack Passphrases 

(1 k guesses/sec)

The information provided here is for educational and general-interest purposes only. It is not financial, investment, legal, tax, or cybersecurity advice. Hardware-wallet configurations, passphrase strategies, and steel backups involve risks that can vary with individual circumstances. Always perform your own thorough research, consult qualified professionals, and use best-practice security measures before making decisions that could affect your funds or personal data. You are solely responsible for safeguarding your assets and implementing any recommendations discussed.