A code or table permitting the conversion of encrypted data back to its original form.
A parameter used in a cryptographic algorithm that is computationally infeasible to deduce from the input and output data. See also Public Key, Private Key, and Symmetric Key.
Word, phrase, number, dimension, or route that gives specific character to an enciphering system.
Data used in cryptosystems in order to execute encryption, which comes in different forms like ssl encryption and also 128-bit encryption which provides internet security and online security.
Information (usually a sequence of random binary digits) used initially to set up (and periodically to change) the operations performed in a cryptoequipment for encrypting or decrypting electronic signals, for determining electronic countermeasure patterns (frequency hopping or spread spectrum), or for producing other keys.
The mechanism used to encrypt or decrypt messages in public-key infrastructure (PKI) security. See public-key cryptography and PKI.
A string of bits used in cryptography that contains some information necessary to encrypt or decrypt a given block data.
A series of encrypted numbers.
A parameter used in conjunction with a cryptographic algorithm that determines: (i) The transformation of plaintext (unencrypted text) data into ciphertext (encrypted text) data, (ii) The transformation of ciphertext data into plaintext data, (iii) A digital signature, or (iv) A message authentication code.
The key used to encrypt data written by the client.
The password used to encrypt something. The more random a key is, the harder it is to guess.
A sequence of symbols applied to data in order to provide encryption. Sometimes referred to as the "seed".
A cipher used to encrypt and decrypt information. Two types of keys are used: public and private. Public keys are shared; private keys are not. Public and private keys work together: information encrypted by the public key can be decrypted only by the private key.
The element that turns the general encryption algorithm into a specific method for encryption. In general, the enemy may be aware of the encryption algorithm being used by the sender and receiver, but the enemy must not be allowed to know the key.
The secret 'password' used to encrypt and decrypt data. May be secret, private or public depending on the encryption algorithm used.
In modern cryptography, the only secret quantity in encryption apart from the plaintext. Many algorithms rate their strength in key length, measured in bits.
A symbol or sequence of symbols (or electrical or mechanical correlates of symbols) applied to text in order to encrypt or decrypt.
A single numeric value that is part of an algorithm for encrypting text.
240\240\240\240\240\240\240\240\240\240\240 A file that enables a certain computer function to work (i.e. decrypting or encrypting a file, Internet Scanner to run against a specific set of IP addresses)
secret signs to unlock the K mystery, by which musicians know which notes to play in any piece of music (largely still a mystery to singers)
A symbol or sequence of symbols (or the electrical or mechanical equivalent) applied to text to encrypt or decrypt.
A string used to encrypt tickets and other data
A value used alone or with an encryption decoder (corresponding public or private key) for cryptography. In traditional private key cryptography, the communicators share a key or cipher so that each can encrypt and decrypt messages. The risk in this system is that if any party loses the key, the system is broken. In public key cryptography, the private key is associated with a public key, so each person in the system has a personal private key that is never shared.
A password or table used to decipher encrypted text. See Ciphertext.
a way to decrypt an encrypted message
Composed of bits, people can encrypt and decrypt data with keys. They are often used in cryptography. See also: bit, cryptography.
A large number used by a cryptographic algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data. A person's public key, for example, allows other people to encrypt messages to that person. The encrypted messages must be decrypted with the corresponding private key. See also public-key cryptography.
In terms of encryption, a key is a value applied using an algorithm to a string of unencrypted text to produce encrypted text, or vice versa. Key length is a factor in determining the strength of encryption.
A key is a piece of data that, along with an algorithm, is used to encrypt and decrypt information.
Information that causes a cipher to encrypt or decrypt information in a distinctive way. Individual keys are usually associated with individual entities, or at most a pair of entities.
the term key is used in Freenet in two different contexts. One is in the sense of a cryptographic key, which is used to encrypt or decrypt data. The other meaning is used in the terms Content Hash Key or Signed Subspace Key, where the meaning is more like an or URI to the data. Although somewhat confusingly, these keys also contain cryptographic keys as their subcomponents.
A file containing the value that must be fed into an algorithm in order to encrypt or decrypt a message.
A mathematical value that determines the outcome of the encryption and decryption functions.
A piece of information that is necessary to decoding an encrypted message (analogous to how a key opens a lock)
In encryption, a key is a sequence of characters used to encode and decode a file. You can enter a key in two formats: alphanumeric and condensed (hexadecimal). In the network access security market, "key" often refers to the "token," or authentication tool, a device utilized to send and receive challenges and responses during the user authentication process. Keys may be small, handheld hardware devices similar to pocket calculators or credit cards, or they may be loaded onto a PC as copyprotected software.
See password. Usually a key is not memorable to people but a password is memorable.
A quantity required for the execution of security algorithms that is intended to be used only by legitimate entities.
Digitally signs and encrypts data for security-enabled users.
A specific string of data that is used to encrypt and decrypt messages, documents or other types of electronic data. Keys have varying levels of strength. Keys having higher numbers of bits are theoretically tougher to break because there are more possible permutations of data bits. (Since bits are binary, the number of possible permutations for a key of x bits is 2x.) The specific way a key is used depends on whether it's used with asymmetric or symmetric cryptography.
Information (usually a sequence of random or pseudo-random binary digits) used initially to set up and periodically change the operations performed in crypto equipment for the purpose of encrypting or decrypting electronic signals, for determining electronic counter-countermeasures patterns (e.g., frequency hopping or spread spectrum), or for producing other key. "Key" has replaced the terms "variable," "key(ing) variable," and "cryptovariable."
a key is some information, often a series of symbols, that allows you to encrypt and/or decrypt a message
a value or specific parameters that is used to encrypt or decrypt a message.
A variable parameter of a cryptographic algorithm. MD5 A hashing algorithm that compresses a message of arbitrary length into a 128-bit message digest.
1. a keyboard button containing a character, numeral or special command. 2. a password for access to encrypted data or one used to gain entry to a subscriber Website or a private network.
A password needed to decode the encrypted data.
Is used to encrypt data via the use of binary numbers. Wireless Home Networking devices will provide software that can encrypt data through the use of a key. The user must enter a word that will be used as the key to encrypt the data. A longer word ensures a key of greater complexity.
In computer security, a sequence of symbols that is used with a cryptographic algorithm for encrypting or decrypting data.
1. To lose keys indicates disappointments, obstacles, and setbacks, while finding keys represents discovering the perfect solution to a problem. 2. To give someone you know a key implies that you will offer assistance to that person, while giving a key to an unknown person indicates an improvement in your own circumstances. To be given a key augurs assistance from friends in positions of power. 3. To fit a key in a lock implies romantic and sexual happiness; unlocking a door indicates a breaking down of obstacles.
a collection of bits, usually stored in a file, which is used to encrypt or decrypt a message.
In cryptology, a set of parameters used in conjunction with an encrypting algorithm.
A password or table needed to decipher encoded data.
A piece of data that, when fed to an algorithm along with ciphertext, will yield plaintext. (Or, when fed to an algorithm along with plaintext, will yield ciphertext.
A code or cipher which will "unlock" encrypted information and make it readable.
An alphanumeric string that encrypts and decrypts data.
Used in cryptography for the encryption and decryption of data. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption uses both a private key and a public key.
An algorithmic pattern used by a sender to encrypt messages, and by a recipient to decrypt them. Return to the top
Cryptographic keys are chosen parameters, each connected with a specific type of cryptographic algorithm. Their size, lifetime and usage depends on the algorithm being used. They may be just large random numbers or have certain characteristics (e.g. prime numbers). See also symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption.
When used in the context of encryption, a series of numbers which are used by an encryption algorithm to transform plaintext data into encrypted (ciphertext) data, and vice versa.
numbers which are applied for cryptographic algorithms.
A means of service users confirming their identity to access online services that is available only to that user. It could be as simple as a user name and password, or could be a token, digital certificate, etc.
A key is the object used with a cryptographic algorithm to encrypt data. Generally, the strength of an algorithm can be approximated by the length of the key used to encrypt and decrypt data. Normally measured in bits, the longer the key length the higher the number of different possible keys. This makes attempts to decrypt a message by brute force less likely to succeed.
A set of data used in conjunction with an encryption algorithm that determines: A series of transformations from plain text to cipher text, or from cipher text to plain text, or the generation or confirmation of a digital signature derived from data. In the case of PKE, keys are generated in pairs, one public, one private.
A word or phrase that modifies the enciphering/deciphering process in such a way that knowledge of the algorithm alone is insufficient to decipher an enciphered message.
Data used when encrypting or decrypting other data. Encrypted data cannot be decrypted without the proper key or extremely good guessing.
A large number used by a cryptographic algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data. A person's public key, for example, allows other people to encrypt messages intended for that person. The messages must then be decrypted by using the corresponding private key.
In data encryption, a key is generally a sequence of characters used to encode and decode a file.
In encryption and digital signatures, a value used in combination with an algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data.
A key is a variable value that is applied using an algorithm to a string or block of unencrypted text to produce encryption text. The length of the key generally determines how difficult it will be to decrypt the text in a given message. LAN - The acronym for Local Area Network. This is a computer network that connects workstations and personal computers. If you are using a Bridged Ethernet connection, you will connect to the Internet using the LAN setting.
A data element used to encrypt or decrypt a message - includes both public keys and private keys.
A single button on the keyboard. Letters, numbers, and symbols are all represented by keys on most keyboards, along with several special function keys. Pressing a key in many applications causes the character on the key to be displayed on the monitor. Also refers to the code used to encrypt and decrypt data. There is also sometimes a physical key that can lock a user's system
A password needed to decipher encrypted data. Also see security and encryption.
In secure communications, an algorithmic pattern used by a sender to encrypt messages, and by a recipient to decrypt messages. See also encryption, key pair, and key ring.
A number used by an encryption algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data See also: dictionary key
1. An entry (principal name) in a keytab file. See also keytab file. 2. An encryption key, of which there are three types: private key – An encryption key that is shared by a principal and the KDC, and distributed outside the bounds of the system. See also private key. service key – This key serves the same purpose as the private key, but is used by servers and services. See also service key. session key – A temporary encryption key that is used between two principals, with a lifetime limited to the duration of a single login session. See also session key.
In Registry Editor, a folder that appears in the left pane of the Registry Editor window. A key can contain subkeys and value entries. For example, Environment is a key of HKEY_CURRENT_USER. In IP security (IPSec), a value used in combination with an algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data. Key settings for IP security are configurable to provide greater security.
the small piece of data necessary to make encrypted data intelligible
When encrypting data, a key is a value which determines the ciphertext that a given algorithm will produce from given plaintext. When decrypting data, a key is a value required to correctly decrypt a ciphertext. A ciphertext is decrypted correctly only if the correct key is supplied. With a symmetric encryption algorithm, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption of the same data. With an asymmetric encryption algorithm (also called a public-key encryption algorithm or public-key cryptosystem), different keys are used for encryption and decryption of the same data.
See definition for: encryption key
In Exchange, a key is used for advanced security features. There are four types of keys: two public keys and two private keys. Without a key, no security measures such as signing and sealing can be used. See also Certificate, Digital Signature, Encryption, Key Management Server, Public Key, Private Key, Sealing, Signing.
A password, usually encrypted. Keys can be publicly available.
A digital code used to encrypt and sign and decrypt and verify messages and files. Keys come in keypairs and are stored on keyrings.
A key is the rule which specificies the method of encryption, such as the arrangement of letters within a cipher alphabet, or the pattern of shuffling (in a way, all the Engima machine did was to shuffle the letters in a message in a way determined by settings on a machine).
A value used to encrypt protocol strings used for authentication. The private keys of principals are stored in the authentication database. Session keys are contained (encrypted) in tickets and other protocol strings.
A published algorithm, usually based on a series of dichotomous decisions (does the plant have X or does it have Y?), for plant species identification.
A digital code used to encrypt or decrypt messages. Private key encryption uses a single, secret key. Dual key (public key) encryption uses two keys of which one is secret and one is public.
n. 1. On a keyboard, the combination of a plastic keycap, a tension mechanism that suspends the keycap but allows it to be pressed down, and an electronic mechanism that records the key press and key release. 2. In database management, an identifier for a record or group of records in a datafile. See also B-tree, hash2, index1 (definition 1), inverted list, key field. 3. The code for deciphering encrypted data. 4. A metal object used with a physical lock to disable a computer system.
clé A sequence of symbols that controls digital signature and encryption processes. Source: Policy for Public Key Infrastructure Management in the Government of Canada
A means of gaining or preventing access or control of data. A key is a special number that an encryption algorithm uses to alter data in order to ensure its secrecy. The alteration can subsequently be reversed, but only by an authorised recipient using a matching key.
A string of data used to decode an encrypted message. The length of the key, usually quoted in BITS, determines how secure the message is. (See ENCRYPTION).
A secret code, most often expressed as a numeric value, used to encrypt a message, to make the text unreadable to anyone but the intended recipient. If a message encrypted by a key must be decrypted by using the same key, the key is called a symmetric key. If a message encrypted by a key must be decrypted using a different key, the keys are called asymmetric keys, or a key pair. Key pairs (usually comprised of a public key and a private key) form the basis of public key cryptography.
A string of bits used widely in cryptography, allowing people to encrypt and decrypt data; a key can be used to perform other mathematical operations as well. Given a cipher, a key determines the mapping of the plaintext to the ciphertext. See also distributed key, private key, public key, secret key, session key, shared key, sub key, symmetric key, weak key.
A key is a piece of information that controls the operation of a cryptography algorithm. In encryption, a key specifies the particular transformation of plaintext into ciphertext, or vice versa during decryption. Keys are also used in other cryptographic algorithms, such as digital signature schemes and keyed-hash functions (also known as MACs), often used for authentication.