A private key is a large random number. The address is derived from it, and a valid signature made with it is the only thing a network checks before accepting a transfer. There is no issuer to appeal to and no password reset.
No investigator, exchange or police force needs your private key. A request for one — however it is framed — is a request to take your remaining funds. Wallsec never asks for private keys, seed phrases or remote access to your device.
Related terms
Seed phrase
A list of 12 or 24 words that regenerates every private key in a wallet. It is the wallet, in portable form.
Wallet
Software or hardware that stores keys and signs transactions. It holds keys, not coins — the balances live on the ledger.
Cold wallet
A wallet whose keys never touch an internet-connected device; signing happens on the device itself.
More in Wallets
Guides that use this term
Trying to work out what happened to your funds?
The first review is free and we set out scope and price in writing before any paid work.