- Key Exchange The process of transferring cryptographic keys between parties over a network, enabling secure communication. Key exchange is typically used in protocols like Diffie-Hellman and RSA to securely share keys that will later be used to encrypt and decrypt messages. The transfer is done in such a way that even if the communication is intercepted, the intruder cannot derive the original key. This process is a fundamental part of many secure network protocols, including SSL/TLS, which provides secure web browsing.
- Key Goal Indicator (KGI) A metric used to measure the progress towards a specific goal or objective. It is commonly used in performance management systems to track and evaluate the success of an organization's strategies and initiatives. Examples include a KGI used to measure customer satisfaction, a KGI used to measure employee engagement, and a KGI used to measure profitability.
- Key length The number of bits in a cryptographic key, which determines the strength and security of the key. It is commonly used in encryption algorithms to determine the level of security provided by the key. Examples include a key length of 128 bits, a key length of 192 bits, and a key length of 256 bits.
- Key List A key list is an inventory of cryptographic keys that includes important information such as key owners, associated assets, and usage policies. It is essential for managing and tracking the lifecycle of keys within an organization's cryptographic infrastructure to ensure proper key usage and facilitate security operations.
- Keylogger A type of software or hardware device used to track and record keystrokes on a computer or device. It is used to monitor user activity and capture sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Examples of keyloggers include malware-based keyloggers, hardware-based keyloggers, and keylogger software for parental control.
- Key Management The administrative process of handling and maintaining the lifecycle of cryptographic keys in a secure manner. This lifecycle includes key creation, distribution, storage, rotation, and disposal. Proper key management ensures that keys are only accessible to authorized entities, protecting encrypted data from unauthorized access and mitigating the potential impact of key compromise.
- Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) A system or set of tools and protocols used to manage cryptographic keys within an organization. It is used to ensure the secure and efficient generation, distribution, storage, and revocation of keys used for encryption and authentication. Examples of KMI components include a key server, a key management application, and a certificate authority.
- Key management practice Key management practices are the specific guidelines and procedures followed by an organization to handle cryptographic keys securely. They include aspects like key generation, protection, storage, and destruction, and are crucial to prevent unauthorized access and to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted data.
- Key or Cryptographic Key or Cryptovariable A piece of data used as input for an encryption algorithm to transform plaintext data into ciphertext or vice versa. The key determines the specific output of an encryption algorithm, thus ensuring that only those who possess the correct key can decrypt the data. Keys are used in a variety of contexts, including secure communication, data protection, and digital signatures.
- Key Pair A key pair in public-key cryptography consists of a private key, which is kept secret, and a public key, which can be shared publicly. The keys are mathematically related, allowing for secure data encryption, digital signatures, and key exchanges. Key pairs enable functions such as SSL/TLS for secure web communications and PGP for secure emails.
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