Private Key
Definition
A private key is the secret component of a cryptographic key pair that must never be shared. In cryptocurrency, private keys authorize transactions—proving ownership and enabling fund transfers. Post-quantum private keys (SPHINCS+) differ in format from classical keys (ECDSA) but serve the same essential function.
Technical Explanation
Private keys are large random numbers or seed values from which signing capability derives. For ECDSA, private keys are 256-bit integers. For SPHINCS+, private keys contain seeds for key derivation (typically 128 bytes depending on parameters). Both must remain absolutely secret.
Key security: if an attacker obtains your private key, they control your funds completely. Quantum computers threaten private key derivation from public keys (ECDSA) but cannot extract well-protected private keys from secure storage. Physical security remains paramount.
SynX Relevance
SynX wallets generate and protect quantum-resistant private keys (SPHINCS+ signing keys, Kyber decapsulation keys). These keys never leave your device unencrypted. The larger key sizes (compared to ECDSA) require appropriate storage but provide quantum-resistant authorization for all transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are quantum private keys harder to protect?
- Same principles apply—keep them secret, encrypted, backed up. Larger size requires more storage but same security practices.
- Can quantum computers steal my private key?
- Not from secure storage. Quantum threats derive keys from public keys, not by breaking storage encryption.
- Should I memorize my private key?
- No—use seed phrases for backup. Private keys are too long and complex for memorization.
Quantum-safe private key management. Protect your keys with SynX