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Security Recovery
What to Do if Your Private Key Was Exposed
Understand private key exposure and how it differs from a seed phrase leak.
Quick answer
What this usually means
If a private key is exposed, the specific address controlled by that key should be considered compromised.
Common causes
Why it happens
- The private key was pasted into a website.
- The key was stored in an unsafe file or chat.
- The key was imported into an untrusted wallet.
- The device holding the key was compromised.
Fix path
What to check first
- Create a new clean wallet or address.
- Move assets away from the exposed private key.
- Stop using the exposed address.
- Check approvals on that address.
- Review where the key was stored and remove unsafe copies.
Safety note
Do not make the problem worse
- A private key gives direct control over one address.
- Do not send new assets to the exposed address.
- Do not rely on password changes to fix key exposure.