EthAReum Protocol

The EthAReum protocol enables the generation of private keys for an Arweave wallet using a signature from an Ethereum or Solana wallet. This allows users to create an Arweave wallet directly through popular wallet providers like MetaMask, providing seamless cross-chain wallet management.

Generated private keys provide a fully functional Arweave wallet, equipped to perform all standard operations, including holding AR tokens and Turbo Credits, and uploading data to the Arweave network.

How It Works

EthAReum uses a deterministic key derivation process that combines:

Ethereum/Solana wallet signature - Provides the cryptographic foundation
User-generated password - Adds additional entropy and security
Standardized derivation algorithm - Ensures reproducible results

The protocol generates a unique Arweave wallet that is cryptographically linked to your Ethereum or Solana wallet but remains completely independent.

Browser Compatibility

Recommended Browser: For optimal performance, use Chrome when working with EthAReum and MetaMask. While EthAReum functions correctly in most browsers, there are ongoing efforts to resolve some edge case compatibility issues in other environments.

Password Security

The EthAReum protocol incorporates a user-generated password in the wallet derivation process. This password provides an extra layer of security by contributing additional entropy to the wallet's derivation and serves as a critical verification step for wallet access.

Permanent Password: The password used during the derivation of private keys is permanent and cannot be changed or recovered by any administrator. ArDrive is a decentralized platform with no account administration. It is crucial to keep this password secure.

Password Requirements

Must be set during initial wallet creation
Used for all subsequent logins
Required for encrypting private uploads
Cannot be recovered if forgotten

Wallet Addresses

The public address of the generated Arweave wallet is derived from its public key and will be different from the public address of the Ethereum or Solana wallet used to generate it.

Viewing Your Address

The exact steps to obtain your generated wallet's public address depend on the dApp interface:

ArDrive: Click the user profile icon in the top right when logged in
Other dApps: Check the wallet settings or profile section

Key Management

Keyfiles vs Seed Phrases

The Arweave ecosystem primarily uses keyfiles rather than seed phrases for wallet access:

Keyfile: JSON file containing a Json Web Key (JWK) that acts as private keys
Seed Phrase: Supported but not universally implemented across all dApps

Keyfile Security: Always treat your keyfile with the same care as you would private keys for an Ethereum wallet. Learn more about keyfiles in the Arweave Cookbook.

Accessing Your Keys

Both keyfile and seed phrase are available for download in most dApps:

ArDrive: Click the user profile icon in the top right when logged in
Other dApps: Check wallet settings or export options

Security Considerations

One-Way Control

EthAReum generates Arweave wallet private keys using a signature from your Ethereum/Solana wallet, ensuring that control only extends in one direction:

✅ EthAReum can generate Arweave wallets from Ethereum/Solana signatures
❌ EthAReum cannot access your Ethereum/Solana wallet or assets
✅ Your Ethereum/Solana assets remain completely secure and independent

Signature Security

Beware of Malicious dApps: Some malicious dApps or websites may disguise high-risk authorization transactions as simple signature requests. Always ensure that you only provide signatures to reputable and trusted dApps like ArDrive.

Best Practices

Verify dApp authenticity before providing signatures
Use strong, unique passwords for wallet derivation
Backup your keyfile in a secure location
Never share your password or keyfile with anyone
Test with small amounts before committing to large transactions

Implementation Examples

Basic Wallet Generation

// Example: Generate Arweave wallet from Ethereum signature
async function generateArweaveWallet(ethereumSignature, password) {
  // This is a conceptual example - actual implementation
  // would use the EthAReum protocol specification

  const derivedKey = await deriveKeyFromSignature(
    ethereumSignature,
    password,
    "arweave" // derivation context
  );

  return {
    address: getAddressFromKey(derivedKey),
    keyfile: createKeyfile(derivedKey),
    seedPhrase: generateSeedPhrase(derivedKey),
  };
}

Integration with MetaMask

// Example: Request signature from MetaMask
async function requestEthereumSignature() {
  const accounts = await ethereum.request({
    method: "eth_requestAccounts",
  });

  const message = "Sign this message to generate your Arweave wallet";
  const signature = await ethereum.request({
    method: "personal_sign",
    params: [message, accounts[0]],
  });

  return signature;
}

Use Cases

Cross-Chain dApp Development

Unified wallet experience across Ethereum and Arweave
Simplified onboarding for users familiar with Ethereum
Reduced friction in multi-chain applications

Data Storage Solutions

Decentralized file storage using existing Ethereum wallets
NFT metadata storage on Arweave with Ethereum wallet access
Cross-chain data management for DeFi applications

Developer Benefits

Familiar wallet interfaces for users
Reduced development complexity for multi-chain apps
Enhanced user experience with single wallet management