Definition ∞ Mnemonic exfiltration describes the unauthorized extraction or theft of a user’s mnemonic seed phrase, which is a sequence of words used to recover a cryptocurrency wallet. This security breach typically occurs through malware, phishing attacks, or social engineering, where an attacker gains access to the device storing the phrase or tricks the user into revealing it. Once exfiltrated, the mnemonic phrase grants the attacker full control over the associated digital assets.
Context ∞ News frequently reports on security incidents involving mnemonic exfiltration, emphasizing the critical importance of keeping seed phrases offline and secure. The ongoing discussion focuses on improving user awareness about phishing tactics and promoting the use of hardware wallets to protect mnemonic phrases from digital theft. Future developments include advanced security solutions that minimize the need for users to directly handle or digitally store their recovery phrases.
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