Las criptomonedas operan en sistemas no fiables, redes en las que las transacciones no dependen de bancos o intermediarios. En su lugar, se basan en la criptografía. En el corazón de este sistema hay dos componentes esenciales: claves públicas y claves privadas.
Ya sea para enviar Bitcoin, firmar un mensaje o acceder a un monedero descentralizado, las claves públicas y privadas son las que hacen posibles las transacciones seguras. Pero, ¿cómo funcionan? ¿Y por qué es tan importante entenderlas?
Este artículo explica todo lo que necesitas saber sobre las claves públicas y privadas, desde cómo las genera el sistema hasta cómo protegen tus activos.
¿Qué es una clave pública?
Una clave pública es un código criptográfico que permite a otros enviar criptomonedas a tu dirección. El sistema la deriva de tu clave privada a través de un proceso matemático, y permanece visible públicamente, como una dirección de correo electrónico o un número de cuenta bancaria. Cualquiera puede conocer tu clave pública, y no supone ningún riesgo de seguridad por sí misma.
En la mayoría de las cadenas de bloques, tu clave pública es:
- En dirección actual (por ejemplo, Ethereum)
- O utilizado para genere la dirección de su monedero (por ejemplo, Bitcoin)
Propiedades clave:
- Puedes compartirlo libremente.
- La gente lo utiliza para enviar fondos a su cartera.
- Sirve como identidad en la cadena de bloques.
¿Qué es una clave privada?
A clave privada es un código secreto que te da acceso a tu criptomoneda. Está matemáticamente relacionado con tu clave pública, pero el proceso es unidireccional-lo que significa que nadie puede aplicar ingeniería inversa a tu clave privada con sólo conocer tu clave pública.
Considérelo como su contraseña o firma. Si alguien consigue tu clave privada, puede enviar tus fondos a cualquier parte, y no hay botón de deshacer.
El software de monedero suele almacenar las claves privadas como largas cadenas de números y letras, o como frases semilla: una lista de 12 o 24 palabras.
Propiedades clave:
- Debes mantenerlo en secreto en todo momento.
- Le permite firmar transacciones.
- Quien tenga la clave privada controla los fondos.
¿Cómo se crean las claves públicas y privadas?
Algoritmos como el Algoritmo de firma digital de curva elíptica (ECDSA), comúnmente utilizadas en Bitcoin y Ethereum, generan pares de claves.
He aquí una versión simplificada del proceso:
- El sistema genera un número aleatorio seguro, que se convierte en tu clave privada.
- A continuación, utiliza esa clave privada para derivar matemáticamente tu clave pública.
- En algunas cadenas de bloques, el sistema realiza un hash de la clave pública para crear la dirección de tu monedero.
Porque las matemáticas son asimétricoAunque alguien tenga tu clave pública, no podrá calcular tu clave privada a partir de ella: esto es lo que hace que la criptografía sea segura.
¿Cómo funcionan juntos?
Cuando envías criptografía, utilizas tu private key to sign the transaction. This signature shows that the owner of the funds authorized the transaction, without revealing the private key itself.
The network then uses your public key to verify the signature. If the signature checks out, the transaction is valid.
This process enables:
- Secure authentication without passwords
- Digital signatures for messages or smart contracts
- Ownership of assets on decentralized networks
Formatos comunes: Claves, Direcciones y Frases Semilla
Crypto wallets often abstract key management, but it’s useful to know the formats involved:
- Clave privada: A hexadecimal string (e.g., 5J2m…), or derived into a frase semilla (12–24 recovery words).
- Public Key: The system derives it from the private key, and it can appear in either compressed or uncompressed form.
- Wallet Address: The shortened, hashed version of the public key used for receiving payments (e.g., 0x123… on Ethereum)
Claves públicas y privadas en diferentes casos de uso
Developers and users apply these keys not just in wallets but throughout the entire crypto ecosystem:
- Wallet access: Proving ownership and authorizing transactions.
- Smart contract interaction: Signing approvals for DeFi apps y dApps.
- Multi-signature wallets: Requiring multiple private keys to authorize a transaction.
- Cold storage: Private keys are kept offline to eliminate hacking risk.
- Messaging: Some systems use public/private keys to encrypt and verify secure messages.
¿Qué ocurre si pierde una llave?
- Lose your private key? Your funds are gone—forever. There is no password reset in crypto.
- Lose your public key? No problem—you can regenerate it from the private key.
That’s why backing up your private key or seed phrase is absolutely essential.
Consejos de seguridad: Cómo mantener a salvo su clave privada
Real Losses Caused by Private Key Mistakes
In 2013, James Howells, a British IT professional, accidentally discarded a hard drive containing the private keys to 7,500 Bitcoin. Though his wallet address is still visible on the blockchain, the funds remain permanently inaccessible. That mistake, made more than a decade ago, still haunts him—especially now that those Bitcoins are worth over $250 million.
Another example comes from 2020, when a DeFi user unknowingly shared a screenshot of his crypto wallet on Twitter. Unfortunately, his private key was visible in the background. Within minutes, bots scanned the image, extracted the key, and drained over $30,000 from his wallet. There was no warning, no recourse, and no way to recover the funds.
These stories illustrate a core truth of crypto: your private key is the single point of control over your assets. If it’s lost or leaked—even for seconds—it can lead to permanent, irreversible loss.
Buenas prácticas: Cómo proteger su clave privada
Whether you’re managing a few hundred dollars or millions in crypto, these best practices can help you keep your private key—and your funds—safe.
No legitimate service will ever ask for your private key. If someone claims they need it to “help” you, it’s a scam. Keep your private key and seed phrase secret, always.
2. Use a Hardware Wallet for Long-Term Storage
Hardware wallets like Libro mayor y Trezor store your private key offline, making them immune to online hacks. They’re ideal for holding significant amounts of crypto safely over time.
3. Avoid Storing Keys Digitally Without Encryption
Do not store your private key in plain text files, screenshots, or cloud storage services like Google Drive. If you must store them digitally, encrypt the file and store it on an offline or air-gapped device.
4. Keep Multiple Secure Backups
Write down your seed phrase and store it in at least two separate, secure locations (such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box). Never keep all your backups in one place.
5. Beware of Phishing Sites and Fake Wallets
Double-check URLs, avoid downloading wallets from unverified sources, and never click on suspicious links. Many attacks are based on tricking users into entering their private key on fake interfaces.
6. Use a Strong PIN or Passphrase
If your wallet supports it, use an extra passphrase or PIN in addition to your seed phrase. This adds another layer of protection—even if someone gains access to your device.
7. Understand What You’re Signing
Some smart contract scams trick users into signing approvals that give away access to funds. Always double-check transactions and approvals—especially in DeFi apps.
Final Reminder
Your private key isn’t just a password—it’s the only key to your crypto. There’s no “forgot my password” button in blockchain systems. No support ticket can recover a lost key. Security in crypto is personal, and ownership comes with responsibility.
Treat your private key like your digital life savings—because, in many ways, it is.
Reflexiones finales
Understanding public and private keys isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. These key pairs are the foundation of trust, ownership, and security in blockchain systems.
Whether you’re just starting out or already working with crypto, taking the time to understand how keys work will help you stay secure, avoid costly mistakes, and get the most out of what crypto offers.
In crypto, your private key is your power. Guard it well.
Want to accept crypto without giving up control of your keys?
Discover how the pasarela de criptopago OxaPay helps you receive payments directly with full transparency. You can also manage your assets easily using the Billetera OxaPay—fast, secure, and optimized for crypto businesses.
