Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Glossary

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Session Key (Wallet context)

1 min read
Pronunciation
[se-shun kee]
Analogy
Like a hotel room key card that works only during your stay.
Definition
A temporary key pair derived from a master key, used to authorize a limited set of transactions or for a limited time.
Key Points Intro
Session keys improve security by:
Key Points

Limited scope: Restricted to specific actions or contracts.

Time-bound: Valid only for a session duration.

Master key safety: Master remains offline.

Convenience: Reduces need to expose master key.

Example
A Gnosis Safe generates a session key to allow a dApp to spend up to 100 tokens within 24 hours without exposing owners’ master keys.
Technical Deep Dive
Session key derived via ERC‑4337 paymaster or custom wallet module. Wallet signs a delegation certificate: `delegate(sessionKey, permissions, expiry)`, verified by contract before executing user ops.
Security Warning
Compromise of session key allows actions within its scope; keep scope minimal.
Caveat
Must carefully define and enforce permissions to avoid abuse.
Related Terms
Account Abstraction
Programmable Wallet
Paymaster

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