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…Public Key A succinct definition of Public Key Public KeyLevel UpNEWIndividualsBusinessesDevelopersDiscoverCompanyGLOSSARYPUBLIC KEYCopy linkShare on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedinPublic KeyA public key is a cryptographic key used to encrypt messages intended for a particular recipient. A more technical definition of a public key is a series of letters and numbers used to encrypt plaintext into ciphertext. Because of this, public keys can be freely shared, as opposed to private keys, …
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…A crypto wallet consists of two main components: a public key and a private key. The public key serves as the wallet’s address, which can be shared with others in order to send or receive funds. The private key, on the other hand, is kept secret and used to sign transactions and access the funds.When a user wants to send funds from their wallet, they create a digital signature using their private key. This signature verifies the authenticity of the transaction and ensures that only the owner o…
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…With a private key, a user can generate a public key using an advanced mathematical algorithm. Then a similar algorithm can be used to generate a receiving crypto wallet address from the public key.When a transaction is first initiated, the crypto wallet software automatically generates a digital signature through the private key. This enforces its security because only a private key can generate a valid signature for a given transaction, which is then used to confirm the transaction from a spec…
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Public Chain A succinct definition of Public Chain Public ChainLevel UpNEWIndividualsBusinessesDevelopersDiscoverCompanyGLOSSARYPUBLIC CHAINCopy linkShare on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedinPublic ChainOn a public blockchain, anyone is free to join, and there are no restrictions when it comes to participating. It is a decentralised system in which no single entity controls the network. Instead, all users within a public chain have equal rights. This includes access to read the ledger, a…
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…It works by selecting validators based on the amount of tokens staked.Full definitionProof of Work (PoW)Proof of Work (PoW) is a decentralised consensus mechanism that requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems in order to win the right to verify transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain.Full definitionPublic ChainA public chain (blockchain) is a completely decentralised and open network in which anyone can join and participate.Full definitionPublic KeyA public key is a serie…
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…Think of your public keys as a bank account number and your private keys as the PIN — never share the latter with anyone. With self-custody, you ensure that your assets are safe because only you have access to your digital assets. However, this also means you must safeguard these keys diligently. Importance of Backups Backing up your wallet is crucial to protect against the loss or theft of your device. Many self-custodial wallets offer various backup options, such as a recovery phrase, biomet…
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…Instead, they contain the public key, which lets the user set up transactions, and the private key, which is used to authorise transactions. As its name suggests, a custodial wallet is where a third party takes custody of private keys on behalf of users. The third party has full control over the crypto assets, assuming the responsibility of managing the user’s wallet key, signing transactions, and protecting the user’s crypto assets. Generally, custodial wallets are available from crypto e…
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…Instead, they contain the public key, which lets the user set up transactions, and the private key, which is used to authorise transactions. As its name suggests, a custodial wallet is where a third party takes custody of private keys on behalf of users. The third party has full control over the crypto assets, assuming the responsibility of managing the user’s wallet key, signing transactions, and protecting the user’s crypto assets. Generally, custodial wallets are available from crypto e…
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Beginner’s Guide to Zero-Knowledge Proofs Learn how ZK proofs protect privacy in blockchain. Simple terms, key types, and real-world uses explained for beginners. Beginner’s Guide to Zero-Knowledge ProofsLevel UpNEWIndividualsBusinessesDevelopersDiscoverCompanyUNIVERSITYBlockchain13 Jun 2025|INTERMEDIATE|5 MIN READBeginner’s Guide to Zero-Knowledge ProofsLearn how ZK proofs protect privacy in blockchain. Simple terms, key types, and real-world uses explained for beginners.Key Takeaways Zer…
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…While a public key is like a bank account number and can be shared widely, the private key is like a bank account password or PIN and should be kept secret. In public key cryptography, every public key is paired with one corresponding private key. Together, they are used to encrypt and decrypt data. Why a Crypto Wallet Is Needed for Storing Crypto Assets A user’s cryptocurrency is only as safe as the method they use to store it. While crypto can technically be stored directly on an exchange, …
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