Encrypted (like BIP38) master private key

Encrypted (like BIP38) master private key
From: Ali Sherief @ 2023-05-30 10:08 UTC ( / )
  To: Bitcoin Protocol Discussion



Just like we have BIPP38 encrypted keys for singular private keys, I was wondering if it would be possible to come up with a way to encrypt an extended private key using reversible encryption.

BIP38 was designed with physical coins in mind, and in particular covers the cases for lot and sequence numbers in detail.

There is a case to be made that in an encrypted extended private key, the lot and sequence numbers can be placed in the HD derivation path. In particular they can be derived like this: m/lot'/sequence' and both of them use hardened derivation.

The advantage would be that coinmakers would only have to generate one master private key during manufacturing instead of a ton of private keys.

But this is not a very convincing advantage so I'd like to hear what is other people's take on this.

-Ali