Definition ∞ An External Owned Account, often abbreviated as EOA, is a type of account on a blockchain controlled by a private key. It is used to send transactions, hold cryptocurrency, and interact with smart contracts. Unlike smart contract accounts, EOAs do not contain any executable code themselves.
Context ∞ The security of EOAs remains a critical concern, as the compromise of a private key directly leads to irreversible asset loss. Discussions frequently center on best practices for private key management and secure storage solutions. Future developments include the widespread adoption of account abstraction and multi-party computation to enhance EOA security and user experience.