Keys Glossary

Browse 12 keys terms defined in plain English, from the cultural dictionary of computing.

12 Keys Terms

Cache Key
The identifier used to look up a value in a cache, often derived from request parameters, user context, resource IDs, locale, or other inputs that affect the...
Cryptographic Key
A secret or semi-public value used by a cryptographic algorithm to encrypt, decrypt, sign, verify, or derive other secrets. Key management quality often...
Decryption
The process of converting ciphertext back into readable plaintext using the correct key and algorithm. If decryption is possible for an attacker,...
Decryption Key
The cryptographic key used to convert ciphertext into plaintext, either directly in symmetric systems or as the private component in appropriate asymmetric...
JSON Web Key
JSON Web Key is the JOSE data format used to represent public, private, or symmetric keys in JSON. Security teams use it to enforce trust, reduce exposure,...
Key Pair
Key Pair is the related public and private keys used in asymmetric cryptography for encryption, signatures, or key exchange. Security teams use it to enforce...
License Key
A code or cryptographic token used to activate, authorize, or restrict software according to licensing terms. In security contexts, license keys matter because...
Root Key
A top-level cryptographic key on which other keys, signatures, or trust relationships ultimately depend. Root keys are used in PKI, secure boot, HSM...
Secret Rotation
The practice of periodically changing secrets (API keys, passwords, certificates) to limit the damage window if a secret is compromised. The thing everyone...
TPM
Trusted Platform Module, a hardware component for storing keys and measuring system integrity. It shows up in application security, identity, infrastructure,...
Trusted Platform Module
A dedicated hardware security chip that protects keys, measurements, and attestation data. It shows up in application security, identity, infrastructure, or...
Wallet
A software or hardware tool that stores cryptographic private keys and manages digital assets (cryptocurrency, NFTs, digital identity). Does not actually...

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