Guide to Restoring Access to Ledger Wallet using Recovery Phrase
In the world of digital assets, ensuring the security of one's investments is paramount. Ledger, a renowned name in the field, has introduced the Ledger Recovery Key - a PIN-protected backup card that securely stores a copy of your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). This article delves into the secure update process of the Ledger Recovery Key, a process designed to maintain the highest level of security and integrity.
The Ledger Recovery Key uses a standardized Secure Channel - SCP03 for initial security protocol setup with the Ledger Hardware Wallet. After establishing this connection, the devices exchange information to create another Secure Channel, which Ledger uses between its Hardware Wallets and its HSMs. This mutual authentication ensures the genuineness of both devices, preventing counterfeit or tampered devices from being used for updates.
The security process for updating a Ledger Recovery Key product centers on a PIN-protected, Secure Element chip embedded in the key, which stores the SRP offline and securely. Every action with the Recovery Key, including backup, restoration, and updates, must be initiated and confirmed on the secure screen of the Ledger device to comply with the "What You See Is What You Sign" (WYSIWYS) principle, ensuring user verification of critical actions.
Updates occur wirelessly via Near Field Communication (NFC) when tapping the Recovery Key on the back of a supported Ledger device, providing a convenient but secure channel for data transfer without exposing the SRP online. The process involves mutual authentication between the Ledger device and the Recovery Key to ensure the genuineness of both devices.
Key details of the security update process include PIN Protection. Users create a unique 4-8 digit PIN on the Ledger Recovery Key to prevent unauthorized access. After three incorrect PIN attempts, the key is wiped to permanently erase the SRP, deterring brute-force attacks. The Secure Element chip, the same tamper-resistant hardware security chip found in Ledger wallets, provides a high level of protection against physical and electronic attacks.
The Ledger Recovery Key's manufacturing process provides the Operating System with specific cryptographic keys. The functional preparation in the factory loads the application on top of the OS and conducts cryptographic operations to create and securely store unique attestation data. The combination of the Secure Element and associated operating system in the Ledger Recovery Key product has passed a Common Criteria EAL6+ security certification.
In summary, updating the Ledger Recovery Key involves securely transferring encrypted SRP data via authenticated NFC communication between the PIN-protected, hardware-secured Recovery Key and a Ledger Flex or Stax device, with user verification enforced at every step to maintain maximum security and integrity of the wallet backup. The Ledger Recovery Key is a complement to, not a replacement of, the traditional Recovery Sheet, offering an additional layer of security for your digital assets.
- The Ledger Recovery Key employs a Standardized Secure Channel (SCP03) for its initial security protocol setup with the Ledger Hardware Wallet.
- The Secure Element chip, embedded in the Ledger Recovery Key, stores the Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) offline and securely, ensuring offline storage.
- Every action with the Recovery Key requires user confirmation on the secure screen of the Ledger device, adhering to the "What You See Is What You Sign" (WYSIWYS) principle.
- Updates to the Ledger Recovery Key occur wirelessly via Near Field Communication (NFC) with mutual authentication between the Recovery Key and the Ledger device for secure data transfer.
- Users create a unique 4-8 digit PIN on the Recovery Key to prevent unauthorized access, and after three incorrect PIN attempts, the key is wiped to permanently erase the SRP.
- The Ledger Recovery Key's manufacturing process provides the Operating System (OS) with specific cryptographic keys, and the combination of the Secure Element and the associated operating system has passed a Common Criteria EAL6+ security certification.
