Null Cipher

Definitions

1. A cipher or negotiated mode that applies no real encryption to data even though the surrounding protocol may still look like it is using a cryptographic framework. Null ciphers are dangerous when enabled unintentionally because they create a false sense of protection while leaving traffic readable.

   In plain English: A so-called cipher mode that actually leaves data unencrypted.

   Example: "The legacy device silently negotiated a null cipher fallback, so sensitive traffic crossed the link in plaintext."

Related Terms

• Public Key Cryptography
• Block Cipher
• Cipher Suite
• Ciphertext
• Cryptographic Nonce
• Cryptographic Primitive
• Hybrid Encryption
• Key Agreement
• Cryptographic Protocol
• Protocol Security