Private Keys

A private key is a long string of alphanumeric characters or code used in cryptography, similar to a password. In the context of crypto assets, private keys are used to authorize transactions and prove ownership of a crypto asset.

A private key is an integral part of using or transacting in crypto assets, and the encryption at the heart of a private key is critical to protecting those crypto assets from theft and unauthorized access. That said, a private key can literally unlock access to your cryptocurrency, so it is important to carefully manage access to your private keys. As the saying goes, “not your keys, not your crypto.”