Skip to main content
Understanding private keys is crucial for secure authentication and transaction signing in blockchain-based applications.

​
What is a Private Key?

A private key is a cryptographic secret that allows you to:
  • Sign messages to prove your identity
  • Authorize transactions on the blockchain
  • Control digital assets associated with your wallet
  • Authenticate with blockchain-based services
Think of it as a digital signature that only you can create, proving you are who you claim to be.

​
How to Get Your Private Key

​
From MetaMask

1

Open MetaMask

Click on the MetaMask extension in your browser
2

Access Account

Click on the three dots menu → Account details
3

Export Private Key

Click “Export Private Key” and enter your password
4

Copy Key

Copy the private key (starts with 0x)

​
From Hardware Wallet

1

Connect Hardware Wallet

Connect your hardware wallet to your computer
2

Access Management

Use your wallet’s management software
3

Export Key

Follow your wallet’s export process
4

Verify Security

Ensure you’re using a secure connection

​
From Other Wallets

Most wallets provide an export function:
  • Trust Wallet: Settings → Security → Export Private Key
  • Coinbase Wallet: Settings → Advanced → Export Private Key
  • Rainbow: Settings → Security → Export Private Key

​
Generate New Key

import { ethers } from 'ethers';

// Generate a new wallet
const wallet = ethers.Wallet.createRandom();

// Get the private key
const privateKey = wallet.privateKey;
const address = wallet.address;

console.log('Private Key:', privateKey);
console.log('Address:', address);

​
Private Key Security Best Practices

Secure Storage

  • Use password managers
  • Hardware security modules (HSM)
  • Encrypted storage
  • Never store in plain text

Access Control

  • Limit access to authorized personnel
  • Use role-based access
  • Implement audit logging
  • Regular access reviews

Backup Strategy

  • Create secure backups
  • Use multiple locations
  • Test recovery process
  • Update backups regularly

Monitoring

  • Monitor wallet activity
  • Set up alerts
  • Regular security audits
  • Track usage patterns

​
Private Key Format

Private keys in Ethereum are:
  • 64 characters long (32 bytes)
  • Hexadecimal format
  • Start with 0x
  • Case sensitive
Example: 0x1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef

​
Why Private Keys Matter

Private keys are the foundation of blockchain-based security and provide several critical benefits:

Cryptographic Security

  • Mathematically unbreakable
  • Quantum-resistant algorithms
  • Zero-knowledge proofs
  • Tamper-evident signatures

User Control

  • You control your own identity
  • No reliance on third-party authentication
  • Direct ownership of digital assets
  • Self-sovereign identity

Audit Trail

  • Blockchain-verifiable signatures
  • Immutable transaction history
  • Transparent audit logs
  • Compliance-ready records

Compliance

  • Self-sovereign identity
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Audit trail requirements
  • Data privacy standards

​
Private Key vs Traditional Authentication

FeaturePrivate Key (Blockchain)Traditional Authentication
SecurityCryptographic signaturesPassword-based
ControlUser owns the keyProvider controls access
RecoverySelf-managed backupProvider-dependent
PortabilityWorks across platformsPlatform-specific
Audit TrailBlockchain-verifiableProvider logs
ComplianceSelf-sovereignProvider compliance

​
Getting Started with Private Keys

If you’re new to blockchain-based authentication, follow these steps:
1

Choose a Wallet

Select a wallet that supports private key export
2

Export Private Key

Follow your wallet’s export process
3

Secure Storage

Store the private key securely using environment variables
4

Test Integration

Test with staging environment first
5

Monitor Usage

Set up monitoring and alerts
Security Recommendation: Use a dedicated secondary wallet for API operations. This wallet should contain minimal funds and be used exclusively for signing API transactions, keeping your primary wallet secure.

​
Environment Variables

# .env file
PRIVATE_KEY=0x1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef
RISE_ID=0x1234567890123456789012345678901234567890

// TypeScript configuration
const client = new RiseApiClient({
  environment: 'prod',
  riseIdAuth: {
    riseId: process.env.RISE_ID,
    privateKey: process.env.PRIVATE_KEY
  }
});
⌘I