Generate Your Node Keys

Regular key rotation is a proactive measure crucial for network security, instilling confidence in participants and stakeholders about the safety and reliability of the blockchain infrastructure. In Substrate-based blockchains, it ensures the smooth operation and protection of the network.

Validator nodes, responsible for block validation and propagation, can routinely update their cryptographic keys through key rotation. This practice mitigates risks of key exposure or unauthorized access, significantly enhancing security. Key rotation is essential for maintaining blockchain integrity and involves periodically updating cryptographic keys across system components, reducing compromise risks and boosting overall security.

Install jq

If you don't have jq installed, you can install it using your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu:

 sudo apt-get install jq

Or, if you're on MacOS:

brew install jq

Overview of rotate_keys.sh:

The script will:

1. Prompt you for the base path of your node.

2. Prompt you for the chain specification file.

3. Generate keys for BABE, GRANDPA, Authority Discovery, and ImOnline.

4. Insert the generated keys into the node configuration.

5. Start the node as a validator with the new keys.

How To Rotate Keys

1. Make the script executable:

   chmod +x rotate_keys.sh

1. Run the script with elevated permissions to ensure that the script runs properly :

sudo ./rotate_keys.sh

1. Follow the prompts: The script will prompt you to enter the base path and chain specification file. It will then generate and insert new keys for BABE, GRANDPA, Authority Discovery, and ImOnline consensus mechanisms and start the node as a validator with the new keys.

Rotating keys is a crucial practice to maintain the security of your blockchain network. This procedure helps by minimizing the risk of key compromise, which is essential for safeguarding the network from unauthorized access. Regularly scheduled key rotation ensures that any potentially compromised keys are replaced promptly, reducing the window of opportunity for malicious actors. Consequently, this practice fortifies the overall integrity of the blockchain, providing a more resilient and trustworthy environment for all participants involved.