What is session key? - Definition from Whatis.com

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session key

A session key is an encryption and decryption key that is randomly generated to ensure the security of a communications session between a user and another computer or between two computers. Session keys are sometimes called symmetric keys, because the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. A session key may be derived from a hash value, using the CryptDeriveKey function (this method is called a session-key derivation scheme). Throughout each session, the key is transmitted along with each message and is encrypted with the recipient's public key. Because much of their security relies upon the brevity of their use, session keys are changed frequently. A different session key may be used for each message.

Related glossary terms: RSA algorithm (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), data key, greynet (or graynet), spam cocktail (or anti-spam cocktail), fingerscanning (fingerprint scanning), munging, insider threat, authentication server, defense in depth, nonrepudiation

Contributor(s): Andre Patkos

This was last updated in May 2004

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