# Overview On Wallet Metadata Leaks *Crypto wallets can expose extensive offchain data leaks. Elliott Alexander argues that the wallet is the place to coordinate privacy.* By [ETH Daily](https://ethdaily.io) ยท 2026-07-03 privacy, wallets, research, eth-daily --- Elliott Alexander [published](https://ethereum.org/latest/next-great-wallet-private/) an analysis outlining how popular cryptocurrency wallets expose offchain metadata, revealing that the client layer continues to leak sensitive information before users even transact. Packet-sniffing tests conducted on thirteen popular wallets on a clean device showed that the average wallet contacted fourteen domains upon its first launch. The most severe case contacted 26 domains across 41 IP addresses. This includes pinging balance-infrastructure calls to three separate providers before an account was even created. In contrast, only one tested wallet initiated zero network requests during its initial boot sequence. The offchain leaks are compounded by Remote Procedure Call (RPC) default behaviors, which expose a user's entire address portfolio and IP address to a single server. Alexander argues that the wallet is actually the optimal place to coordinate privacy across application boundaries. Rather than shifting bookkeeping responsibilities onto users, privacy-preserving wallets can automate stealth addresses and route RPC requests across split providers. Software developer kits, such as the Ethereum Foundation's Kohaku SDK, already package these primitives to let wallet builders adopt secure defaults without re-engineering protocols from scratch. * * * Disclaimer: Content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or other professional advice. No representations or warranties are made as to accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Use of this content is at your own risk, and you should consult a qualified professional before making decisions. No fiduciary or advisory relationship is created --- *Originally published on [ETH Daily](https://ethdaily.io/alexander-outlines-wallet-metadata-leaks)*