Encryption technology Definitions
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A
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
The Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES, is a symmetric block cipher used by the U.S. government to protect classified information and is implemented in software and hardware throughout the world to encrypt sensitive data.
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asymmetric cryptography (public key cryptography)
Asymmetric cryptography, also called public key cryptography, uses a pair of numerical keys that are mathematically related to encrypt and decrypt data.
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B
block cipher
A block cipher is a method of encrypting text (to produce ciphertext) in which a cryptographic key and algorithm are applied to a block of data (for example, 64 contiguous bits) at once as a group rather than to one bit at a time.
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Blowfish
Blowfish is an encryption algorithm that can be used as a replacement for the DES or IDEA algorithms.
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C
cipher
A cipher (pronounced SAI-fuhr) is any method of encrypting text (concealing its readability and meaning).
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cipher block chaining (CBC)
Cipher block chaining (CBC) is a mode of operation for a block cipher (one in which a sequence of bits are encrypted as a single unit or block with a cipher key applied to the entire block).
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ciphertext feedback (CFB)
Ciphertext feedback (CFB) is a mode of operation for a block cipher. In contrast to the cipher block chaining (CBC) mode, which encrypts a set number of bits of plaintext at a time, it is at times desirable to encrypt and transfer some plaintext values instantly one at a time, for which ciphertext feedback is a method.
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cold boot attack
A cold boot attack is a process for obtaining unauthorized access to encryption keys stored in the dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips of a computer system.
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Content Scrambling System (CSS)
Content Scrambling System (CSS) is a data encryption and authentication method used to protect digital versatile disk (DVD) movies from being illegally copied, distributed, and viewed from other devices, such as computer hard drives.
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cryptanalysis
Cryptanalysis is the study of ciphertext, ciphers and cryptosystems with the aim of understanding how they work and finding and improving techniques for defeating or weakening them.
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crypto
Depending on its usage, crypto can be a short form for cryptography or for encryption.
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cryptographic checksum
A cryptographic checksum is a mathematical value (called a checksum) that is assigned to a file and used to "test" the file at a later date to verify that the data contained in the file has not been maliciously changed.
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cryptology
Cryptology is the mathematics, such as number theory, and the application of formulas and algorithms, that underpin cryptography and cryptanalysis.
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cryptoperiod (key lifetime or a validity period)
A cryptoperiod (sometimes called a key lifetime or a validity period) is a specific time span during which a cryptographic key setting remains in effect.
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D
Data Encryption Standard (DES)
The Data Encryption Standard (DES) is an outdated symmetric-key method of data encryption.