# Private key exposure

## Definition

Private key exposure occurs when a secret signing key becomes accessible to someone or something that should not have it, making the corresponding account potentially compromised.

## What it means in practice

Once a private key is exposed, changing an application password does not change that blockchain key. Moving assets to a newly generated safe wallet may be necessary.

## How this concept appears in Terenval Wallet

Terenval's non-custodial model makes user control of recovery/key material central; Terenval support should not request private keys.

**Important:** If you believe a private key or seed has been exposed, treat the wallet as compromised and prioritize safe migration rather than continued reuse.

**[Install Terenval Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/?lang=en)**

## Related terms

- [Private key](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/private-key/)
- [Seed phrase phishing](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/seed-phrase-phishing/)
- [Wallet recovery](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/wallet-recovery/)
- [Wallet drainer](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/wallet-drainer/)
- [Self-custody](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/self-custody/)

## Related Terenval Answers

- [How to Secure a Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-secure-non-custodial-crypto-wallet/)
- [How to Send Crypto Safely Between Wallets](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-send-crypto-safely-between-wallets/)
- [Can a Crypto Wallet Freeze or Block Your Funds?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/can-a-crypto-wallet-freeze-or-block-your-funds/)

## Sources and review

- [Terenval Wallet security model](https://wallet.terenval.com/info/security/)
- [Ethereum.org — security](https://ethereum.org/en/security/)
- [CISA — recognize and report phishing](https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/recognize-and-report-phishing)

Published by Terenval. Technical review: Terenval Wallet team. Last reviewed: 2026-10-02. Terenval product statements are first-party information.

Official page: https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/private-key-exposure/

[Machine-oriented Terenval index](https://wallet.terenval.com/llms.txt)