# Nostr: How do I keep my Nostr private key safe?

Keep the private key out of posts, screenshots, cloud notes, and unfamiliar websites.

2026-08-11
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Keep the private key out of posts, screenshots, cloud notes, and unfamiliar websites. Use a trusted signer when supported so a client can request signatures without directly handling the key. Keep an offline or otherwise well-protected backup, and review each signing request. A relay only needs your public key and signed events; it should never ask for your `nsec`.

## Sources

[NIP-19: Human-readable encodings](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/19.md), [NIP-07: Browser signers](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/07.md), [NIP-46: Remote signing](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/46.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-how-do-i-keep-my-nostr-private-key-safe/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-11T09:24:21+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How do I keep my Nostr private key safe?