Dictionary of Information Security

K

Kerberos single sign-on system that uses symmetric key encryp-

tion via a ticket-oriented mechanism

key data used in cryptosystems to perform encryption.

Sometimes called a cryptovariable.

key length since most modern encryption algorithms are

mathematically based, the length of keys is a major

determining element in the strength of an algo-

rithm, or the work factor involved in breaking a

cryptographic system. See also key space.

key management process of handling and controlling

cryptographic keys and related material (such as intial-

ization values) during their life cycle in a crypto-

graphic system, including ordering, generating,

distributing, storing, loading, escrowing, archiving,

auditing, and destroying the material.

key pair in an asymmetr