Ethereum: Where is the public key corresponding to my address stored?

Ethereum: Understanding Public Keys and Private Keys

When you create an ethereum wallet or signal transactions on the platform, you are using both your public key and private key. However, some people may be surprised to know that the public key is not directly stored in a way that’s easily accessible to anyone else. In this article, we’ll delve into what happens behind the scenes and why the public key is more complex than it seems.

What is a public key?

A public key is a unique string of characters that serves as your digital identity on ethereum. It’s used to identify you when you make transactions or interact with other users’ wallets. Think of it like a phone number or an email address – just like how people need a phone number to communicate, individuals need a public key to receive and verify messages from others.

why is the public key not stored directly?

When you create a new ethereum wallet, the private key (a long, complex string of characters) is stored on the user’s computer. This private key is used to sign transactions and generate digital signatures. However, when it comes to the public key, there are severe reasons why it’s not directly stored:

• Security : historing sensitive information like private keys can put your wallet at risk if it falls into the wrong hands. To prevent this, Ethereum takes measures to keep your private key and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.

• Interoperability

  : Different wallets on different platforms may use slightly different algorithms for generating and historing public keys. This means that even if you have multiple wallets, using one wallet’s public key not being compatible with another’s.

• Consistency : Ethereum wants to ensure that users can interact with each other seamlessly across different wallets and platforms. To achieve this, the platform uses a standardized process for generating and historing public keys.

What About the Corresponding Private Key?

While it may see counterintuitive, the private key is actually stored in a way that’s protected by Ethereum’s Security Measures. HERE’S What Happens:

• Wallet Storage : When you create a new wallet, the private key is encrypted using a cryptographic algorithm, making it unreadable without the decryption key.

• encryption : The encrypted private key is then stored on the user’s computer in a secure location, such as an encrypted file or a hardware wallet (IF supported).

• Access Control : Only authorized users with the corresfonding private key can access and verify transactions.

Conclusion

In summary, while it may be confusing at first, Ethereum’s system for historing public keys and private keys is designed to ensure security, interoperability, and consistency across different wallets and platforms. The private key is encrypted and stored secret on your computer or in a protected location, making it inaccessible to unauthorized parties.

As you explore the world of ethereum, keep in mind that understand the intricacies behind its cryptographic systems can help you better navigate the platform and make informed decisions about your digital assets.