What Does Cryptographic Key Mean?
A cryptographic key is a string of bits used by a cryptographic algorithm to transform plain text into cipher text or vice versa. This key remains private and ensures secure communication.
Techopedia Explains Cryptographic Key
Cryptographic keys are symmetric or asymmetric. Symmetric encryption requires only one key, which is used to encrypt and decrypt data. Asymmetric encryption uses two different keys: one for encryption and one for decryption. A certificate authority (CA) provides public/private key pairs using the public key infrastructure. The digital certificate registration authority process begins before the user’s digital certificate status is communicated to the CA.
