MISLEADING KEY TERMINOLOGY IN POPULAR WEB3 WALLETS
MISLEADING KEY TERMINOLOGY IN POPULAR WEB3 WALLETS
Saturday, Aug 17, 2024
In the fast-evolving world of web3, clarity in cryptographic concepts is essential for ensuring security and trust. However, a common yet overlooked issue is the mislabeling of key types in popular crypto wallets like Phantom, which can lead to confusion and potentially impact security understanding.
The key misunderstanding
Ed25519 keys, widely used for signing transactions in blockchain ecosystems such as Solana, come in different forms: the private key (32 bytes) and the secret key (64 bytes). The private key is the actual cryptographic secret used to derive the public key, while the secret key includes both the private key and the public key in a single, expanded format.
However, many web3 wallets mistakenly refer to the 64-byte secret key as a "private key," which is technically inaccurate. This terminology conflation can mislead users about the nature of their cryptographic assets.
Why does this matter?
Understanding the distinction between these key types is not just about semantics; it directly impacts how keys are managed, stored, and used.
Security best practices: Referring to a 64-byte key as a "private key" simplifies user experience but may obscure best practices for key management. Users might not realize that this "private key" is actually a combination of sensitive and public information.
Interoperability issues: For developers and advanced users working across different blockchain platforms or cryptographic libraries in languages such as Rust or Python, understanding the correct key format (32-byte vs. 64-byte) is crucial for ensuring compatibility and avoiding errors.
Moving forward
For wallet providers, developers, and the broader web3 community, aligning terminology with cryptographic standards would enhance clarity and security.
Educate users: Wallets should clearly differentiate between private and secret keys and educate users on their appropriate uses. Learn more about Solana's cryptographic standards here: solana.com/developers/courses/intro-to-solana/intro-to-cryptography
Consistent terminology: Adopting standardized language that accurately reflects key types will help users better understand the importance of key management and security.
In the ever-expanding landscape of blockchain and digital assets, precision in cryptographic terminology is not just a technical detail—it's a foundational aspect of building a secure and trustworthy web3 ecosystem.