encryption key

A data value that is used to encrypt and decrypt data. The number of bits in the encryption key is a rough measure of the encryption strength; generally, the more bits in the encryption key, the more difficult it is to break.

An encryption key allows credentials information to be encrypted or decrypted.

Security feature that ensures that only the intended recipient can read encrypted text. Every IBM® Lotus® Notes® user ID contains two: a public key for sending and encrypting and a private key for receiving and decrypting. Users may also have a public and private key for S/MIME encryption and signatures.