Security & Risk
Also: secret key
Private Key
A secret cryptographic number that proves ownership of a blockchain address and authorizes transactions.
A private key is a large, randomly generated number from which a public key and blockchain address are derived. Anyone who possesses a private key can sign transactions from the corresponding address — effectively controlling all assets held there. Private key compromise is permanent and irreversible; there is no account recovery without the key or seed phrase. Secure key management is the foundation of crypto self-custody.