Security Boundaries for Read-Only Wallet Integrations
Define what read-only means across credentials, API methods and product workflows, without confusing public-data access with permission to move funds.
Overview
When translating these concepts into an integration, keep the scope described by the wallet history api with the result. The examples in wallet transaction history and smart contract event logs show how the same distinction affects neighbouring data questions.
Read-only should be an enforced capability boundary, not only a label on a settings screen. The integration should request and retain only the authority needed to answer its data questions.
Separate data access and signing
Use credentials limited to required data operations where supported. Do not collect wallet private keys, seed phrases or exchange trading rights for a history import. A service-account API key can still have sensitive data or billing authority, so protect it even when it cannot sign blockchain transactions.
Worked example: a connection test
A backend validates access with a minimal read and returns safe account or capability information. It does not submit transactions, approve spenders or start unrelated imports. Tests assert those absent side effects by observing the calls made, rather than trusting the function name testConnection.
Review every downstream path
Check retries, background workers, support tools and exports. A read-only source should not feed an automatically executing financial workflow without a separate authorised boundary. Test a credential with extra privileges and ensure the application still uses only allowed methods. Keep production actions distinct from local validation using sample data.
A practical acceptance test
Instrument the allowed transport and reject any signing, trading or permission-changing method during a history scan and connection test. Provide a credential with extra hypothetical rights and ensure the application still uses only its intended reads. Tests should verify actual calls and effects, because a function named readOnly can still contain an unintended write path.
Questions about the topic
Frequently asked questions
Does read-only mean the credential is not sensitive?
No. It can still expose data or incur usage costs.
Should a history import need trading rights?
No. Use the least authority required for the data task.
Standards & technical documentation
