symmetric key

nouncandidate·updated May 12, 2026

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A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt and decrypt, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code.

Framework senses

7 senses across 6 frameworks

SANS Glossary of Security Terms1 senseview framework →

§1: A cryptographic key that is used in a symmetric cryptographic algorithm.

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Cybersecurity Lexicon1 senseview framework →

§1 · extended_definition_available: A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt plaintext and decrypt ciphertext, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code.

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 22 sensesview framework →

§1: A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt and decrypt, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code.
§2 · sense_2_pending_review: A single cryptographic key that is used with a secret (symmetric) key algorithm.

CNSSI-4009 (Glossary of Information Assurance Terms)1 senseview framework →

§1: A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt and decrypt, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code.

NIST SP 800-631 senseview framework →

§1: A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt and decrypt, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code.

NIST SP 800-21 [2nd Edition]1 senseview framework →

§1: A single cryptographic key that is used with a secret (symmetric) key algorithm.