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Security term

Multisig

A wallet that needs several signatures before anything moves.

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By the Orca Crypto teamUpdated 2026-09-28How we check this3 min readDefinition
Definition

A wallet that needs several signatures before anything moves.

A multisig requires m of n keys to approve a transaction, for example 2 of 3 or 3 of 5. No single key can move funds alone.

It removes the single point of failure and is standard for treasuries, teams and anyone protecting a significant amount.

In practice

Safe is the most widely used multisig on Ethereum and secures many billions of dollars.

What people get wrong

That multisig means more keys and therefore more risk. It means no single key is enough, so a stolen device or a compromised laptop is not a loss. The real risk is losing enough of the keys to fall under the threshold, which is a planning problem rather than a security one.

Common questions

Is multisig worth it for one person?
It can be. A two of three setup with keys in different places survives losing one and cannot be drained by a single compromised device. The cost is more complexity in an emergency, when you are least patient.
What happens if one signer disappears?
Nothing, as long as the threshold can still be met. That is the point of two of three rather than two of two.

Where this comes up on the site

The guides that actually use this word, rather than a list of everything we have written.

Where to go next

More security terms

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