A wallet file is a local file or application artifact that stores or helps unlock cryptocurrency wallet data, such as private keys, seed references, account metadata, or encrypted backups. Depending on the wallet software, the file may be readable only with a password or protected by the operating system and the app itself.
It matters because whoever controls a wallet file may gain access to funds or enough information to continue a theft later. Infostealers often search endpoints for wallet-related folders, browser profiles, and app data because these artifacts are easy to copy once malware lands on a machine. Defenders should treat wallet files as high-value secrets: isolate them, encrypt them, keep backups offline, and assume compromise if an infected system has stored them locally.