The extended public key is the master key of a public account. All public transaction addresses must be generated from xPub, if available. The loss of such a key, and especially a private one, entails a lack of access to one’s cryptocurrency assets or the theft of funds by fraudsters.

Features and specifics

With each new transaction on the Bitcoin network, the address changes. This is done to enhance the privacy and security of each user. The hierarchical determination option was introduced specifically for this purpose. However, the previous ones remain active even if a new address is generated. All these addresses are called public keys. To manage them, a pair of keys is intended, one of which is an extended master key, which maintains the privacy and confidentiality of the owner.

The extended public key views the balance of all previously created addresses. Sharing it with third parties is strictly not recommended.