Capitalizations Index – B ∞/21M
bitcoin is irretrievable if private keys are lost or funds are sent to the wrong address. Transactions are final on the blockchain – no central authority can reverse mistakes or recover lost keys.
bitcoin’s security hinges on private keys: control equals ownership. Protect keys with hardware wallets, strong backups and secure storage; loss, theft, or exposure-not the protocol-threaten funds.
bitcoin can be lost: without access to private keys or if sent to a wrong or unspendable address, coins are irretrievable on the blockchain. Secure backups and address verification prevent loss.
A seed phrase is a human-readable list of backup words that restore a bitcoin wallet’s private keys. Store it securely offline; anyone with it can access your crypto.
bitcoin can be irretrievably lost when private keys are misplaced or when coins are sent to an incorrect or incompatible address. Understanding key custody and address validation helps prevent permanent loss.
Private keys are secret cryptographic codes that control bitcoin ownership. They sign transactions, proving authority to spend coins; lose the key and you lose access to the associated funds.
bitcoin can be stolen if private keys are compromised. Phishing, malware, weak backups and insecure custodians expose keys. Loss is irreversible; hardware wallets, cold storage and careful key management reduce risk.
bitcoin transactions transfer value using addresses and private keys. Addresses receive funds; private keys authorize spending. Transactions are signed cryptographically and recorded on the blockchain.
bitcoin’s protocol is cryptographically robust and blockchain consensus prevents double-spending. True security depends on protecting private keys: loss or theft hands attackers full control of funds.
Private keys are secret alphanumeric codes that authorize bitcoin spending. Stored securely, they control access to funds; losing them means losing coins, so safekeeping and backups are essential.