DPW VaultSign
Overview
DPW VaultSign governs the controlled execution of cryptocurrency transactions within UnoLock's Digital Paper Wallet ecosystem. This feature provides a hardened, zero-knowledge process that ensures private keys never leave the client browser sandbox and never persist beyond active signing operations. By coupling multi-layered decryption with an air-gapped broadcasting model, VaultSign guarantees that funds cannot be exfiltrated even in scenarios involving fully compromised servers or applications.
How It Works
- Four-Layer Decryption Protocol: Access requires reversing DPW's encryption layers with explicit user consent at each stage - wallet document decryption, server envelope removal, authentication-bound release, and in-memory reconstruction.
- Browser Sandbox Execution: All signing operations occur within the hardened browser environment, protected by Content Security Policy (CSP) enforcement and runtime memory purging.
- Balance Inquiry: Submit only public addresses to UnoLock's API for blockchain queries, with private keys never requested or exposed during balance checks.
- Raw Transaction Generation: Users with appropriate permissions generate raw signed transactions entirely within their Safe's secure environment.
- Air-Gapped Broadcasting: Signed transactions are intentionally not broadcast by UnoLock, requiring manual submission through independent third-party services to create a functional air-gap against unauthorized transmission.
Security Implications
- Memory-Only Key Exposure: Private keys exist solely in volatile memory during signing operations, with immediate purging preventing any persistent exposure.
- Multi-Factor Authentication Chain: Each decryption layer requires distinct authentication ceremonies, creating defense-in-depth against compromise.
- Broadcast Isolation: The air-gap between signing and broadcasting ensures no automated path for fund exfiltration, even with complete infrastructure compromise.
Use Cases
- High-Value Transaction Signing: Execute large cryptocurrency transfers with bank-vault security, ensuring keys remain protected throughout the signing process.
- Multi-Signature Coordination: Generate signed transactions for multi-sig wallets, with each participant using their own VaultSign instance for maximum security.
- Institutional Asset Management: Enterprise users leverage VaultSign for corporate treasury operations, maintaining audit trails while ensuring key security.
Why It Matters
DPW VaultSign represents the pinnacle of secure transaction execution, combining the convenience of digital signing with security guarantees that exceed even hardware wallets. By enforcing strict separation between key access, transaction signing, and broadcast mechanisms, VaultSign ensures that your cryptocurrency assets remain under absolute control even in adversarial scenarios.
FAQs
Why doesn't UnoLock broadcast transactions directly?
The air-gap design is a critical security feature. By requiring manual broadcast through external services, we ensure that even a fully compromised UnoLock system cannot autonomously move your funds.
How long are keys held in memory during signing?
Keys exist in memory only for the milliseconds required to sign the transaction. Immediately after signing, all key material is cryptographically wiped from memory.
Can signing operations be performed offline?
While the UnoLock interface requires connectivity, the actual signing occurs entirely client-side. Keys never traverse the network during signing operations.
Compliance & Privacy Regulations
- Regulatory Compliance: VaultSign's audit trail capabilities support compliance requirements while maintaining zero-knowledge privacy guarantees.
- Transaction Privacy: Raw transaction generation ensures complete control over what information is shared with blockchain networks.
Integration with Other Features
- Digital Paper Wallet: VaultSign operates exclusively on DPW-generated keys, leveraging the full security architecture of the DPW ecosystem.
- Spaces: Transaction signing permissions can be segregated across different Spaces, enabling role-based access control for organizational use.
