55 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
55 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
---
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id: 311
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revision: '0'
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language: en
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title: Back up your community's private key
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---
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:::info
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Currently, you can only back up your community key using [Status desktop][download-status].
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:::
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When you create a [Status Community][about-status-communities], the Status app generates a public and a private cryptographic key (a key pair). In essence, these keys are very large numbers securely stored on your device and protected by your Status password.
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The community's private key provides control over your community's settings, membership approvals and other important aspects of its operation. Use your community's private key backup to [restore the community][restore-your-status-community] onto another device or to [transfer your community's ownership][transfer-your-community-s-ownership] to someone else.
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:::warn
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Manually transferring your community from one computer to another by copying the private key is an insecure method of handling a private key. Still, it's currently the only way to do so.
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We're aware of this issue and plan to implement a secure solution in a future release. In the meantime, be extra cautious when handling your community key and keep it safe.
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:::
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## What to expect
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- As a community owner, you're responsible for backing up your community's private key and keeping it safe. Status doesn't have access to this key and can't recover it for you.
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- Anyone with access to your community's private key may become the owner of the community and control its settings, permissions and membership approvals.
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- Even with your community's private key, your community may disappear irretrievably if [you delete it][delete-your-status-community] or the owner's node is offline for more than 30 days without activity.
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## Back up your community key
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=== "Desktop"
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1. From the navigation sidebar, click your community.
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1. At the top of the channel sidebar, click your community logo and then, click :desktop-overview: **Overview**.
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1. In the **Back up community key** area, click :desktop-back-up: **Back up**.
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1. In the pop-up window showing your community's private key, click **Copy**.
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1. Close the window showing the key. You can access this information at any time.
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1. Paste the community's private key on a document or write it down on paper.
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:::info
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Keep your community's private key safe. Status will never ask you for this information, and anyone who does is trying to steal your community.
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:::
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## Common questions
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### Where is my community information backed up?
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Your community configuration and messages for up to 30 days are cached in the Waku [peer-to-peer network][peer-to-peer-messaging]. The community's private key represents proof of ownership but doesn't store the community configuration and messages.
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### How frequently should I back up the community's private key?
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You only need to back up your community's private key once, as long as you don't lose it. You can create the backup right after you [create the community][create-a-status-community].
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### How can I protect my community's private key?
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To minimize the risk of unauthorized access to your community's private key, avoid keeping online copies or screenshots of it and maintain at least one pen-and-paper backup.
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