Secret Shared Validators (SSV) is the first secure and robust way to split an Ethereum validator key between non-trusting node instances (or operators). The validator key is split in such a way that no node must trust the other to function, a certain number can go offline without affecting validator performance, and no single node instance can take unilateral control of the validator. The result is decentralized, fault-tolerant, and secure staking on Ethereum.

SSV can be perceived as an intermediary layer between the validator node and the beacon chain. Validator keys are split into 4 or more shares and organized in a ‘multi-operator’ construct. The technology significantly improves the limitations of existing staking implementations:

Validator keys can be stored offline - Validator keys are currently kept online in order to perform duties on the Beacon chain. With SSV, only the encrypted ‘Shared Keys’ are kept online thus eliminating the risk of exposing the key attack vectors and exploitation. ‘Active to active’ redundancy - Independent node instances (operators) can operate simultaneously and manage a validator key without slashing risk Infrastructure flexibility- stakers(validators) are able to change and optimize their multi-operator construct by changing 1 or more of the node instances. Threshold signature scheme - 1 or more nodes can go offline without affecting the validaotr’s ability to continue performing duties. This achieves optimal fault tolerance and validator uptime.

The SSV primitive was originally proposed by the Ethereum Foundation in 2019. The BloxStaking team joined the research effort by implementing the first SSV Proof of Concept of the SSV primitive. The technology later evolved into the first SSV based public implementation; ssv.network.