asymmetric encryption Encryption that uses different keys for encryption and decryption.
certificate authority (CA) A central authority that oversees the certificate creation and delivery process.
digital certificate An encrypted data structure used to distribute a public key.
digital signature An encrypted string used to verify the identity of the sender and the integrity of the data.
encryption The process of systematically altering data to make it unreadable to unauthorized users.
encryption algorithm A mathematical formula or procedure used to encrypt data.
encryption key A value (usually kept secret) used with the encryption algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data.
IPSec (IP Security) A security protocol system consisting of extensions to the IP protocol.
KDC (Key Distribution Center) A server that manages the key distribution process on Kerberos networks.
Kerberos A network authentication system designed for secure access to services over hostile networks.
private key A key used in asymmetric encryption that is kept secret and not distributed on the network.
public key A key used in asymmetric encryption that is distributed over the network.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) A security protocol system originally developed by Netscape that operates above the TCP protocol.
symmetric encryption Encryption for which the encryption key and the decryption key are the same.
X.509 A standard that describes the digital certificate process and format.