TERM

secret key

A cryptographic key that is used for both encryption and decryption, enabling the operation of a symmetric key cryptography scheme.

Updated

Jan 06, 2026

Senses

Sense 1

A cryptographic key that is used for both encryption and decryption, enabling the operation of a symmetric key cryptography scheme. Also, a cryptographic algorithm that uses a single key (i.e., a secret key) for both encryption of plaintext and decryption of ciphertext.

A cryptographic key that is used for both encryption and decryption, enabling the operation of a symmetric key cryptography scheme.

Also, a cryptographic algorithm that uses a single key (i.e., a secret key) for both encryption of plaintext and decryption of ciphertext.

NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity Vocabulary

Bibliography

NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity Vocabulary
Accessed Jan 06, 2026Quoted
NICCS glossary export (CSV)
https://niccs.cisa.gov/rest/vocab/export-csv
NICCS is a CISA (DHS) program. Individual glossary entries include a "From" attribution (e.g., CNSSI 4009, NIST SPs, NICE Framework). Treat "From" values as upstream provenance and verify before quoting large portions of text.
Source: NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity Vocabulary (niccs.cisa.gov).