Understanding Private Keys
A private key is a cryptographic secret that proves ownership of your accounts. With Ledger, your private keys never leave the device.
What Is a Private Key?
A private key is a long string of characters used in public-key cryptography. It allows you to sign transactions and prove ownership of accounts.
How Ledger Protects Your Keys
Ledger devices use a Secure Element chip to store private keys. They never leave the device, even during transactions.
Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase is a human-readable backup of your private keys. Store it securely offline.
Why Hardware Security Matters
Software-only solutions expose your keys to malware. Hardware isolation keeps keys safe even on compromised computers.