# SSV Explained ### What is SSV? To earn ETH rewards, a validator must stay online and available. However, the current Ethereum staking system's strict rules mean a validator can only run on one node, creating a single point of failure. This issue is addressed by dividing the validator key into multiple KeyShares, distributed across several nodes. If a node goes offline, the remaining nodes with KeyShares ensure the validator continues to operate, creating a decentralized, slashing-free staking environment. SSV enables the validator key to be generated, split into KeyShares, and securely stored offline. These KeyShares are then distributed to non-trusting nodes that operate the validator and sign data, providing a secure staking solution without handing over validator keys to operators. In the Etherfi Solostaker program, you will be part of a distributed cluster as an independent operator. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://etherfi.gitbook.io/etherfi/solo-stakers/operation-solo-staker/ssv-explained.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.