What is AES-256 Encryption?
A military-grade encryption standard used to protect sensitive data. SOL Wallet Shadow uses AES-256-GCM to encrypt your private key in your browser.
AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys) is one of the strongest encryption algorithms available. It's used by governments, military organizations, and financial institutions to protect classified and sensitive data.
AES-256-GCM in SOL Wallet Shadow
SOL Wallet Shadow uses AES-256-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) to encrypt your private key:
Encryption Process
- •You enter your private key and choose a password
- •Your password is processed through PBKDF2 (key derivation) to create an encryption key
- •Your private key is encrypted with AES-256-GCM
- •The encrypted data is stored in browser local storage
- •Only your password can decrypt it
Why GCM Mode
GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) provides both encryption and authentication. This means:
- •The data is encrypted (confidentiality)
- •Any tampering is detected (integrity)
- •The encryption is verified on decryption (authenticity)
Strength
AES-256 has 2^256 possible keys. To brute-force this:
- •It would take billions of years with current technology
- •Even quantum computers are not expected to fully break AES-256
- •No known practical attacks exist against AES-256
Why This Matters
Your private key controls your funds. Encrypting it with AES-256-GCM means that even if someone gains access to your browser's local storage, they cannot read your private key without your password.