Security Considerations

Security Considerations

This document outlines critical security considerations when using Semantic Seed to generate cryptocurrency wallet seed phrases. Following these guidelines is essential to maintain the security of your digital assets.

Core Security Principles

Air-Gapped Operation

• Always Generate Offline: Generate seed phrases only on air-gapped computers that have never and will never connect to the internet
• Clean System: Use a fresh operating system installation if possible
• No Network: Ensure all network interfaces (WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet) are physically disabled or removed
• No Peripherals: Remove all unnecessary USB devices and peripherals

Physical Security

• Private Location: Generate seed phrases in a private location away from cameras and other people
• Cover Cameras: Cover all cameras on devices in the vicinity
• Clean Desk: Ensure no recording devices, phones, or smart devices are present
• Paper Notes: If writing down the seed phrase, use fresh paper from a new pad to avoid imprinting

Data Security

• No Screenshots: Never take screenshots of seed phrases
• No Digital Storage: Don't save seed phrases in digital format (documents, photos, password managers)
• Secure Deletion: Clear browser data and any temporary files after use
• Memory Clearing: Close the application and restart the computer after generating phrases

Tool-Specific Considerations

Online Wallet Checker

The application includes an optional online wallet checker feature that should be used with extreme caution:

• Security Risk: Using this feature compromises the air-gap security principle
• IP Exposure: Your IP address will be exposed to the Bitcoin network
• Address Leakage: Generated addresses become linked to your IP address
• Recommendation: Avoid using this feature on seed phrases you intend to use for real wallets
• Testing Only: Use only for educational purposes or testing with small amounts

Word Selection

• Don't Use Personal Words: Avoid selecting word categories that might create phrases related to your personal life
• Random Generation: Always use the built-in random generator, don't manually select specific words
• Equal Security: While phrases are more memorable, they maintain the same cryptographic security as random phrases
• No Personal Variations: Don't modify generated phrases to make them more meaningful to you

Sentence Structure

• Word Count: Ensure your structure contains exactly 12 or 24 words for valid BIP39 phrases
• Templates Available: Pre-built templates are provided for convenience but are optional
• Custom Structures: When building custom structures, ensure you maintain the required word count
• Category Selection: Choose categories that will result in sensible, memorable sentences
• No Shortcuts: Don't reduce the word count even if the sentence seems complete with fewer words

Best Practices for Usage

Before Generation

1. Disconnect all network cables
2. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth
3. Boot from a clean operating system if possible
4. Clear browser data and close unnecessary applications
5. Verify you're in a private location

During Generation

1. Use the official release version of the tool
2. Verify the checksum of the downloaded files
3. Don't modify the generated phrases
4. Don't use personal information in the process
5. Generate multiple phrases and carefully choose one

After Generation

1. Clear browser data
2. Close all applications
3. Restart the computer
4. Securely store the seed phrase (see Storage Recommendations)

Storage Recommendations

Physical Storage

• Use high-quality stainless steel storage solutions
• Consider redundant storage in multiple secure locations
• Use tamper-evident seals and containers
• Consider breaking the phrase into multiple parts stored separately

What to Avoid

• Digital storage of any kind
• Cloud services or password managers
• Taking photos of written phrases
• Storing all words in one location
• Storing obvious recovery instructions with the phrase

Emergency Planning

Backup Considerations

• Create multiple backups using different methods
• Store backups in different physical locations
• Consider geographical distribution
• Use safety deposit boxes or other secure storage

Recovery Planning

• Document recovery procedures for heirs
• Use legal services for inheritance planning
• Consider multi-signature setups
• Create clear but secure instructions

Threat Model

Potential Attacks

• Network surveillance
• Physical surveillance
• Malware and keyloggers
• Social engineering
• Physical theft
• Supply chain attacks

Mitigations

• Air-gapped operation
• Clean operating system
• Physical security measures
• Proper storage procedures
• Regular security audits
• Limited access and knowledge sharing

Technical Details

Entropy and Security

• BIP39 seed phrases maintain full entropy regardless of sentence structure
• Word selection remains cryptographically secure
• Sentence templates don't reduce security
• Semantic meaning doesn't affect cryptographic properties

Validation

• All generated phrases are valid BIP39 seeds
• Word selection comes from official BIP39 wordlist
• Checksum verification is maintained
• Sentence structure doesn't affect validity

Reporting Security Issues

If you discover a security vulnerability in Semantic Seed:

1. DO NOT create a public GitHub issue
2. Email the security team directly at [security email]
3. Include detailed information about the vulnerability
4. Provide steps to reproduce if possible
5. Allow time for the team to respond and address the issue

Updates and Verification

• Always verify the integrity of downloaded files
• Check GitHub releases for the latest secure version
• Verify security notices and announcements
• Follow the project's security advisories

Remember: The security of your cryptocurrency depends on the security of your seed phrase. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and take additional security measures.