Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00773
Passphrase unavailable — software wallet (2020)
SurvivesCase description
An October 2020 forum post describes a user who created their wallet passphrase by interleaving two separate phrases. They could recall both base phrases but not the interleaving pattern used. Multiple interleaving schemes were possible and the correct pattern required exhaustive testing.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Passphrase unavailable |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2020 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving passphrase unavailable
217 cases involve passphrase unavailable
572 cases involve mobile or software wallet
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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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