Lit Protocol is a decentralized network that combines advanced cryptography, sealed confidential hardware, and peer-to-peer technology to securely manage keys and execute private, immutable programs. As an internet-native security and identity platform, Lit allows you to create, control, and use cryptographic keys while running autonomous code across various applications.
Designed for app developers, wallets, protocols, and AI agents, Lit empowers digital ownership through decentralized key management and the ability to run secure, private, and immutable programs. Lit leverages cutting-edge cryptographic techniques and confidential hardware to provide developers with maximum control and privacy.
Key Features of Lit Protocol
- Decentralized Key Management: Lit ensures that keys are never stored in full by distributing encrypted key shares across the network. This eliminates the need for users or developers to store private key material, enhancing security.
- Sealed Trusted Execution: Using trusted execution environments (TEEs), Lit ensures that node operators cannot access key shares or sensitive data. This guarantees that keys and data remain private.
- Native Interoperability: Lit-managed keys can interact with various blockchains, storage networks, and state machines, bridging ecosystems and enabling cross-platform functionality.
Use Cases
Lit Protocol integrates seamlessly with your existing stack, supporting a range of use cases such as:
- Private Web3 Social: Enable encrypted, private interactions within Web3 social platforms.
- DeFi Automation: Automate tasks such as liquidity protection and limit orders with off-chain triggers.
- Wallet-as-a-Service: Simplify wallet creation and management using decentralized keys and secure, user-friendly authentication methods.
- Cross-Chain Swaps: Transfer assets and data between chains without relying on centralized intermediaries.
- Data Marketplaces: Build secure, transparent data exchanges for monetizing or sharing information.
Lit’s flexible architecture empowers developers to create new applications and protocols in the Web3 space, enabling privacy, security, and decentralization.
Developer Tooling and Ecosystem
Lit supports a wide range of projects, including tools for account abstraction, private data storage, token-gated access, and mobile wallet solutions. Key partners leveraging Lit include:
- Alchemy, Openfort, Pimlico: Providing SDKs for account abstraction and secure data management.
- Streamr, Cheqd, KaratDAO: Powering decentralized data marketplaces with encryption.
- Oamo, Krebit, Terminal3: Using Lit to manage selective data disclosure and credentials.
These projects use Lit to build secure, private, and interoperable Web3 applications, enabling developers to focus on innovation while relying on Lit for cryptographic security and key management.
How Lit Protocol Works
Lit Protocol uses a combination of cryptographic techniques and secure hardware to facilitate decentralized key management and private computation.
1. Lit Nodes
Each Lit Node is a sealed, encrypted virtual machine that ensures node operators cannot access any private key material or data processed within the node. These nodes run a JavaScript execution environment and store key shares used for encryption and signing operations.
2. Distributed Key Generation
Lit uses distributed key generation (DKG) to create key pairs that are never fully accessible by any single party. Key shares are distributed across nodes, and encryption or signing requires the participation of two-thirds of the network, ensuring security and privacy.
3. Sealed Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs)
Using AMD’s SEV-SNP technology, Lit nodes run within TEEs, providing hardware-level isolation and ensuring that neither operators nor external parties can access sensitive data or keys. The immutability and confidentiality of the data inside TEEs are maintained throughout the process.
Lit Network Architecture
The Lit network consists of nodes that must stake tokens to participate in the active node operator set. This staking provides crypto-economic guarantees and ensures the integrity of the network. The network is currently in Mainnet Beta, with several notable partners running nodes, including:
- Hypha, Thunderhead, Cheqd: Key node operators ensuring the decentralization and security of the network.
The Lit Protocol Token (LITKEY)
The Lit Protocol token, LITKEY, is used for staking, rewarding node operators, and paying for transactions on the network. Developers use LITKEY to facilitate interactions within the Lit ecosystem, ensuring secure and seamless operation.
Final Thoughts
Lit Protocol empowers developers to build secure, private, and interoperable applications using decentralized key management and private compute solutions. With its advanced cryptographic and hardware infrastructure, Lit is at the forefront of providing privacy-preserving Web3 tools for the next generation of decentralized applications.
For more information, check out the whitepaper and explore implementation examples in the use cases section.