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Technology

Admin key

A key or account with privileged protocol permissions.

Glossary readUpdated July 12, 2026

What it means

Admin keys may allow teams to upgrade contracts, pause systems, change fees, whitelist addresses, or move assets depending on design.

Why it matters

A compromised or misused admin key can harm users even when normal code paths look safe.

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Code deployed on a blockchain that can hold assets or execute rules.

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A delay before privileged changes can take effect.

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