Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00091
Passphrase unavailable — Mt. Gox (2013)
ConstrainedCase description
As Bitcoin exchanges in 2013 tightened account security, users who had created accounts in 2011 or 2012 with now-forgotten passwords and had not linked a recovery email found themselves locked out. Exchanges such as Mt. Gox and Bitstamp implemented identity verification for password resets but users who had registered anonymously could not pass verification and lost account access.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Passphrase unavailable |
| Custody system | Exchange custody |
| Outcome | Constrained |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2013 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
The seed phrase was there, but the passphrase that unlocked it was gone. Both are required. Whether full access was ultimately possible is unclear, but significant delay or outside intervention was involved.
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible, but only with delay, dependence, or significant difficulty.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving passphrase unavailable
217 cases involve passphrase unavailable
512 cases involve exchange custody
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.
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