a key that is used both to encrypt and decrypt a message. Symmetric keys are typically used with a cipher and must be kept secret to maintain confidentiality. traffic encryption key (TEK)/data encryption key (DEK) - a symmetric key that is used to encrypt messages. TEKs are typically changed frequently, in some systems daily and in others for every message. See session key. DEK is used to specify any data form type (in communication payloads or anywhere else). transmission security key (TSK) - (NSA) seed for a pseudorandom number generator that is used to control a radio in frequency hopping or direct-sequence spread spectrum modes. See HAVE QUICK, SINCGARS, electronic warfare. seed key - (NSA) a key used to initialize a cryptographic device so it can accept operational keys using benign transfer techniques. Also a key used to initialize a pseudorandom number generator to generate other keys. signature key - public key cryptography can also be used to electronically sign messages. The private key is used to create the electronic signature, the public key is used to verify the signature. Separate public/private key pairs must be used for signing and encryption. The former is called signature keys. stream key - the output of a stream cipher as opposed to the key (or cryptovariable in NSA parlance) that controls the cipher training key - (NSA) unclassified key used for instruction and practice exercises. Type 1 key - (NSA) keys used to protect classified information. See Type 1 product. Type 2 key - (NSA) keys used to protect sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information. See Type 2 product. Vernam key - Type of key invented by Gilbert Vernam in 1918. See stream key. zeroized key - key that has been erased (see zeroisation.) See also Specific encryption systems and ciphers have key types associated with them, e.g. PGP key, DES key, AES key, RC4 key, BATON key, Kerberos key, etc. :Category:Cryptographic algorithms :Category:Cryptographic protocols References Schneier, Bruce. Applied Cryptography, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1996. National Information Assurance (IA) Glossary, Committee on National Security Systems, CNSS Instruction No. 4009, 2010. Link 16 Joint Key Management Plan, CJCSM 6520.01A, 2011 Cryptographic keys Cryptographic keys Key management Cryptographic keys Cryptographic keys Wikipedia glossaries using unordered lists