What Is a Private Key?
A private key is a confidential cryptographic code that grants control over cryptocurrency held in a wallet. It acts as proof of ownership, allowing the holder to authorize transactions and move funds on a blockchain. Anyone with access to the private key can control the associated assets, which is why keeping it secure is critical.
Private keys are mathematically linked to public keys and wallet addresses, but they cannot be derived from them. When a transaction is initiated, the private key is used to digitally sign it, confirming that the sender has the right to spend the funds. Private keys are typically stored in wallets, which may be custodial or non-custodial, hot or cold, depending on the setup.
Losing a private key usually means losing access to the assets permanently, as blockchains do not offer recovery mechanisms. This makes key management a central responsibility for crypto users.
On KAST, private key management is handled securely within its custodial infrastructure, allowing users to transact and spend crypto without managing keys directly.
