key

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  • 1. Information (usually a sequence of random or pseudorandom binary digits) used initially to set up and periodically change the operations performed in crypto-equipment for the purpose of encrypting or decrypting electronic data, for determining electronic counter-countermeasures patterns ( e.g. , frequency hopping or spread spectrum ), or for producing other key. Note: "Key" has replaced the terms "variable," "key(ing) variable," and "cryptovariable." [NIS] 2. Usually a sequence of random or pseudorandom bits used initially to set up and periodically change the operations performed in crypto-equipment for the purpose of encrypting or decrypting electronic signals, or for determining electronic counter-countermeasures patterns( e.g., frequency hopping or spread spectrum), or for producing other key. [INFOSEC-99] 3. A sequence of symbols that controls the operations of encipherment and decipherment [7498-2].
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  • Browse Related Terms: computer cryptography, COMSEC control program, crypto-algorithm, cryptomaterial, cryptosynchronization, Decryption, private key, Public Key Cryptography, RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), symmetric cryptography

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