What Is Decryption Key?
Decryption Key Definition
Short definition: A decryption key is a piece of code that transforms encrypted documents, messages, or other types of files into data that can be freely read by common apps and computer systems.
Extended definition: During the process of data encryption, the algorithm generates one or more keys. The same keys are used for the reverse process which is decryption. Hence, a decryption key is a tool that restores data and makes it readable. It could be a simple password or a long sequence of alphanumeric combinations. Network encryption often generates two keys – a public key and a private key. These keys are transferred to remote servers after the process.
Ransomware threats run encryption modules to encode target files and restrict access to stored data. Typically, encrypted files store important personal data. That’s why almost every ransomware tries to blackmail victims into paying ransom for obtaining the decryption key.
For more definitions, check our Cyber Dictionary.