Create keybase
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Create keybase

Keybase is a key directory that maps social media identities to encryption keys in a publicly auditable manner. For Cosmos validators, Keybase provides a way to verify your identity and display your validator logo.

January 24, 2026
Updated January 24, 2026
cosmos

How to Setup Keybase for Cosmos Validator

Introduction

Keybase is a key directory that maps social media identities to encryption keys in a publicly auditable manner. For Cosmos validators, Keybase provides a way to verify your identity and display your validator logo.

Prerequisites

  • A computer with internet access
  • Email address or social media account for verification
  • Your validator's identity key

Step 1: Install Keybase

On Linux

# Download Keybase
curl --remote-name https://prerelease.keybase.io/keybase_amd64.deb

# Install Keybase
sudo dpkg -i keybase_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

# Start Keybase
run_keybase

On macOS

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask keybase

# Or download from website
# Visit https://keybase.io/download

On Windows

Download the installer from https://keybase.io/download and run it.

Step 2: Create Keybase Account

  1. Open Keybase application
  2. Click "Join Keybase"
  3. Choose a username (this will be your Keybase identity)
  4. Enter your email address
  5. Create a strong password
  6. Verify your email

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

To increase trust, link your social media accounts:

Link Twitter

keybase prove twitter

Follow the instructions to post a verification tweet.

Link GitHub

keybase prove github

Follow the instructions to create a verification gist.

Link Website

keybase prove web example.com

Add the verification file to your website.

Step 4: Upload Validator Logo

  1. Prepare your logo:

    • Format: PNG
    • Size: 256x256 pixels recommended
    • Max file size: 256KB

  2. Upload via Keybase app:

    • Click on your profile
    • Click "Edit Profile"
    • Upload your logo image

  3. Or use command line:

keybase update-profile --picture /path/to/logo.png

Step 5: Get Your Keybase Identity

Your Keybase identity is a 16-character string that you'll use in your validator description.

# Get your identity
keybase id

# Example output:
# Your Keybase identity: 1234567890ABCDEF

Step 6: Add Keybase to Validator

Update your validator description with your Keybase identity:

# For Cosmos Hub
gaiad tx staking edit-validator \
  --identity="1234567890ABCDEF" \
  --from=<your-key-name> \
  --chain-id=cosmoshub-4 \
  --fees=5000uatom

Replace 1234567890ABCDEF with your actual Keybase identity.

Step 7: Verify on Explorer

After the transaction is confirmed:

  1. Visit a block explorer (e.g., Mintscan, Big Dipper)
  2. Search for your validator
  3. Your logo should now appear next to your validator name

Troubleshooting

Logo Not Showing

  • Wait 10-15 minutes for cache to update
  • Verify your Keybase identity is correct
  • Check that your logo meets size requirements
  • Try clearing browser cache

Identity Not Found

# Verify your Keybase is running
keybase status

# Restart Keybase service
keybase service restart

Permission Issues on Linux

# Fix permissions
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER ~/.config/keybase

Best Practices

  1. Use a Strong Password: Your Keybase account represents your validator identity
  2. Enable 2FA: Add two-factor authentication for extra security
  3. Verify Multiple Accounts: Link Twitter, GitHub, and website for more trust
  4. Keep Logo Professional: Use high-quality, recognizable branding
  5. Backup Your Keys: Store your Keybase paper key safely

Security Considerations

  • Never share your Keybase password
  • Store your paper key in a secure location
  • Regularly update your linked accounts
  • Monitor your Keybase activity for unauthorized access

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Setting up Keybase for your Cosmos validator is an important step in establishing your validator's identity and building trust with delegators. A verified Keybase account with a professional logo makes your validator more recognizable and trustworthy.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues: