Nostr uses public-key cryptography for identity. No accounts, no logins.
| Term | What it is | Like… |
|---|---|---|
npub |
Your public Nostr identity | A social media @handle |
nsec |
Your private key — keep it secret | Your password + seed phrase |
pubkey |
Raw version of your npub (hex format) | Account number |
nip-05 |
Optional human-readable name (you@site) |
Display name or email-like |
Your nsec is powerful: anyone who has it can post as you.
Store it like a wallet key — ideally in a password manager or on paper (not a screenshot).
You can use a nip-05 identifier to appear more human-readable. For example:
npub1xyz... → you@nostrplebs.com
Want to try using Nostr? Start here →