Stefan Thomas is facing a race against time as he has just two attempts left to remember his password before he is locked out of his 200 million euro Bitcoin fortune. Thomas, a German-born programmer residing in San Francisco, has become a cautionary tale of the potential pitfalls of self-managing digital currency.
Thomas’ story reads like a sci-fi novel set in the future rather than the reality of his life. He was given 7,002 Bitcoins back in 2011 as a gesture of gratitude for creating an instructional video titled “What is Bitcoin?” At that time, Bitcoin was still relatively unknown outside of the IT community and was valued at less than a euro, but its value quickly skyrocketed to over 20 euros.
Thomas played a significant role in popularizing Bitcoin through his video, which simplified the concept of digital currency and garnered around 10 million views on YouTube. As the value of Bitcoin soared, Thomas’ digital wallet also saw a substantial increase in worth. In early 2021, the price of one Bitcoin exceeded thirty thousand euros. However, Thomas’ ability to access his funds hinged on a small device called the IronKey storage gadget.
The IronKey storage gadget allows for only ten failed password attempts before it locks permanently. Over the years, Thomas has tried and failed eight times to input his password, and the original piece of paper containing the password has long been lost.
Thomas’ despair is palpable in interviews and reports, highlighting the emotional toll of being denied access to his potentially life-changing fortune. At times, he has contemplated letting go and accepting the loss, telling himself to move on for the sake of his sanity.
Thomas’ situation is not unique; it reflects a broader problem within the Bitcoin space. Approximately 20% of all Bitcoins are considered lost due to forgotten passwords or keys. This phenomenon not only includes forgotten access but also tragic stories of Bitcoin owners passing away without leaving behind their digital legacy, resulting in hard drives filled with thousands of Bitcoins ending up in landfills.
Reflecting on his experience, Thomas describes it as a “painful memory” and hopes that others can learn from his mistakes. In a candid Twitter post, he emphasizes the importance of regularly testing backups to ensure their functionality.
Thomas now questions the wisdom of the decentralized banking philosophy that Bitcoin promotes, which encourages individuals to be their own bank. He sarcastically asks, “Do you make your own shoes?” to draw a parallel between the complexities of banking and managing one’s finances.
Despite the bleak outlook, Thomas remains hopeful. He keeps the IronKey storage gadget stored in a safe place, anticipating future advancements in cryptography that might enable him to crack the code and retrieve his digital treasure. Interestingly, former Facebook security head Alex Stamos has jokingly offered to help unlock the IronKey in exchange for a ten percent share of the earnings.
Fortunately, Thomas’ story is not solely defined by his locked-away Bitcoins. His time as Chief Technology Officer at Ripple has made him a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency world, and he still has access to other Bitcoin holdings. These experiences have shaped Thomas’ perspective on digital wealth and solidified his position as a seasoned veteran in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies.
If you’re interested in Bitcoin, check out our recommended resources: a comprehensive guide on buying Bitcoin, a tutorial on Bitcoin wallets, and a 24-hour Bitcoin price tracker. Stay up to date with the latest Bitcoin news by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Rest assured, it’s spam-free and provides valuable insights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
