Encyclopedia of Cybersecurity

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Kerberos

Kerberos is a network authentication protocol designed to provide secure authentication for client-server applications by using symmetric key cryptography and a trusted third-party authentication server. It was developed by MIT as part of Project Athena in the 1980s and has since become widely adopted as a standard authentication protocol in enterprise networks and distributed computing […]

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Key Derivation

Key derivation is the process of generating cryptographic keys from existing keying material, such as other cryptographic keys, passwords, or random values. Key derivation functions (KDFs) are algorithms or methods used to perform this process. Key derivation serves various purposes in cryptography, including key expansion, key strengthening, and key management. Here’s how key derivation typically

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Key Derivation Function

A Key Derivation Function (KDF) is a cryptographic algorithm used to derive one or more cryptographic keys from a given secret value or password. KDFs are commonly employed in various security protocols and applications to generate cryptographic keys securely and deterministically. Here’s how a Key Derivation Function typically works: Input: The KDF takes as input

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Key Derivation Functions

Key Derivation Functions (KDFs) are cryptographic algorithms designed to derive one or more cryptographic keys from a given input, typically referred to as key material. KDFs play a crucial role in various cryptographic applications, including password-based key derivation, key exchange protocols, and key management systems. Here’s how Key Derivation Functions typically work: Input: A KDF

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Key Exchange

Key exchange, also known as key agreement or key establishment, is a process in cryptography where two or more parties agree upon a shared secret key for secure communication over an insecure channel. Key exchange protocols enable parties to securely negotiate and establish cryptographic keys without exposing them to eavesdroppers or adversaries who may intercept

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Key Expansion

Key expansion is a process in cryptography where a cryptographic key, typically of a fixed length, is expanded or transformed into a set of subkeys or round keys for use in cryptographic algorithms, such as block ciphers or stream ciphers. Here’s how key expansion works in various contexts: Block Ciphers: In block ciphers, key expansion

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Key Extraction

Key extraction refers to the process of obtaining a cryptographic key from a keying material or a derived value. In cryptography, keys are fundamental components used in encryption, decryption, authentication, and other cryptographic operations. Key extraction is essential for converting raw data or derived values into usable cryptographic keys. Here’s how key extraction typically works:

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Key Generation

Key generation is the process of creating cryptographic keys for use in encryption, decryption, digital signatures, or other cryptographic operations. These keys are essentially strings of data that serve as inputs to cryptographic algorithms, determining the behavior and security of the encryption or authentication process. The key generation process typically involves several steps: Randomness Generation:

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Key Management

Key management refers to the process of generating, storing, distributing, using, and disposing of cryptographic keys in a secure and efficient manner throughout their lifecycle. Effective key management is essential for ensuring the security and integrity of cryptographic systems, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining the confidentiality of communications. Here’s a breakdown of key management: Key

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Key Management System

A Key Management System (KMS) is a centralized platform or set of processes used to generate, store, distribute, rotate, and manage cryptographic keys securely throughout their lifecycle. KMSs play a critical role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and communication channels by providing robust key management capabilities. Key characteristics of Key

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