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Note: In this glossary, message and file are interchangeable terms.
- Algorithm
- The method used to encrypt a file.
- Asymmetric encryption
- A form of cryptosystem in which encryption and decryption are performed using
two different keys, one of which is referred to as the public key and one of
which is referred to as the private key. Also known as public-key encryption.
- Authentication
- A process used to verify the integrity of transmitted data, especially a message.
- Brute Force
- The process of trying every possible combination of passwords or keys to find the password or key that was was used to encrypt a file. This type of attack against an encrypted file can be devastating if computers are used in the brute force method.
- Checksum
- An error-detecting code based on a summation operation performed on the bits to be checked. A much better authentication method is called the cyclic redundancy check.
- Ciphertext
- The output of an encryption algorithm; the encrypted form of a message or data.
- Compression
- Reduces the size of a file through one of several compression algorithms. Compression of a file can occur before encryption to shrink the size of the encrypted file.
- Conventional Encryption
- See Symmetric Encryption.
- Ctyptography
- The art of writing in or solving codes.
- Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)
- A very good method of data authentication (much better than the checksum method of authentication)
- Decipher
- Same as decryption.
- Decryption
- Any procedure to convert ciphertext into plaintext.
- Encryption
- The method to convert plain text or data into unintelligible form by the use of a code in such a
manner that reconversion to the original form is possible.
- Error Detecting Code
- A code in which each expression conforms to specific rules of construction, so that if
certain errors occur in an expression, the resulting expression will not conform to the
rules of construction, and thus the presence of errors is detected.
- Escrow Key
- A key to an encryption system that is held by another person or agency. The idea of escrow is disagreeable to all those seeking privacy.
- Hash Function
- A function that maps a variable-length data block or message into a fixed length value
called a hash code. The function is designed in such a way that, when protected, it provides
an authenticator to the data or message. Also referred to as a direct message digest.
- Internetwork
- A collection of packet-switching and broadcast networks that are connected together via routers.
- Internetworking
- Communication among devices across multiple networks.
- Key Space
- The number of possible keys
- Packet
- A group of bits that include data plus control information. Generally refers to a network
layer (OSI layer 3) protocol data unit.
- One Time Pad
- A one time pad refers to a key that is longer than the file being encrypted. It is the only (mathematically proven) unbreakable encryption method. In addition, as the name implies, a different key is used for each file that is encrypted.
- Packet Switching
- A method of transmitting messages through a communication network, in which long messages
are subdivided into short packets. The packets are then transmitted as in message switching.
- Password
- Many encryption programs accept a password from the user. This makes password selection very important. A strong encryption algorithm is considerably weakend by a poor choice in passwords.
- Plaintext
- The input to an encryption function or the output of a decryption function.
- Private Key
- One of the two keys used in an asymmetric encryption system. For secure communication, the
private key should only be known to its creator.
- Privacy
- A broad term, in this context, meaning file encryption.
- Public Key
- One of two keys used in an asymmetric encryption system. The public key is made public, to
be used in conjunction with a corresponding private key.
- Public-key Encyption
- See Asymmetric Encryption.
- Recipient(s), Intended
- The person or persons who can decrypt the file. All other people are unauthorized and are unable to decrypt the file.
- Symmetric Encryption
- A form of cryptosystem in which encryption and decryption are performed using the same key.
Also known as conventional encryption.
- Strong Encryption
- A legal term for encryption that was until recently barred from export outside the United States.
For more information and a technical description see Strong Encryption.
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