Abbreviation for kilo (SI prefix for 103). See International System of Units.

1. Abbreviation for kelvin(s). See thermodynamic temperature.
2. When referring to data storage capacity, 210, or 1024 in decimal notation; however this usage of an upper case K is deprecated.

1. In tropospheric radio propagation, the ratio of the effective Earth radius to the actual Earth radius.
Note: The k-factor is approximately 4/3.
2. In ionospheric radio propagation, a correction factor that (a) is applied in calculations related to curved layers, and (b) is a function of distance and the real height of ionospheric reflection.

A patching facility designed for patching and monitoring of balanced digital data circuits that support data rates up to 1 Mb/s.

A popular implementation of TCP/IP and associated protocols for amateur packet radio systems.

A computational algorithm that processes measurements to deduce an optimum estimate of the past, present, or future state of a linear system by using a time sequence of measurements of the system behavior, plus a statistical model that characterizes the system and measurement errors, plus initial condition information.

Kilobits per Second

Kilobytes per Second

Abbreviation for key distribution center.

A unit of thermodynamic temperature, taken as one of the base units of the International System of Units (SI). The kelvin is defined by setting the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water at 273.16 K.
Note 1: The kelvin was formerly called "degree Kelvin. " The term "degree Kelvin" is now obsolete. No degree symbol is written with… (Read More →)

See thermodynamic temperature.

A spurious pattern or other distortion in a facsimile record copy caused by unwanted modulation products arising from the transmission of a carrier signal, and appearing in the form of a rectified baseband that interferes with the lower sideband of the carrier.
Note: The Kendall effect occurs principally when the single-sideband width is greater than half of the facsimile carrier… (Read More →)

Synonym E region.

An early generation protocol [a file-transfer and terminal-emulation program] developed for transfer of asynchronous data files, designed to help minimize the effects of interference and noise on analog telephone circuits.

A module of a program that forms a logical entity or performs a unit function.
Note: The most vulnerable portion of code in a secure operating system is a special case of a kernel.

The creation of birefringence in a liquid that is not otherwise birefringent, by subjecting the liquid to an electric field.
Note 1: The degree of birefringence, which is manifested as a difference in refractive indices for light of orthogonal linear polarizations, one of which is parallel to the induced optical axis, is directly proportional to the square of the applied… (Read More →)

1. Information (usually a sequence of random or pseudorandom binary digits) used initially to set up and periodically change the operations performed in crypto-equipment for the purpose of encrypting or decrypting electronic data, for determining electronic counter-countermeasures patterns (e.g., frequency hopping or spread spectrum ), or for producing other key.
Note: "Key" has replaced the terms "variable," "key(ing) variable," and… (Read More →)

1. A key establishment protocol whose secret key is a function of information contributed by two or more participants, so that no party can predetermine the value of the key. [After X9.42]
2. A method for negotiating a key value on-line without transferring the key, even in an encrypted form, e.g., the Diffie-Hellman technique. [After X.509]

The assurance of the legitimate participants in a key agreement that no other entity possesses the shared-secret key. [After X9.42]

An assemblage of two keys that are considered logically to be one key, in that one key alone cannot be manipulated. [After X9.65]

One of two or more parameters that have the format of a cryptographic key that is added modulo-1 with one or more like parameters to form a cryptographic key. [After X9.8]

The assurance of the rightful participants in a key-establishment protocol that the intended recipient(s) of the shared key actually possess the shared key. [After X9.42]

[A] COMSEC facility generating and distributing key in electrical form. [INFOSEC-99]

1. A key that is used exclusively for encrypting and decrypting keys. [After X9.28]
2. Key that encrypts or decrypts other key for transmission or storage. [INFOSEC-99]

In public-key cryptography, two key encrypting keys used together to encrypt other keys. [After X9.28]

In general, key escrow means that a copy of the secret key needed to decrypt something is stored with a third party. This can be a notary or a bank, who will keep it safely for you, in case you lose your key, or when you die, in which case your relatives might need access to your encrypted material. It… (Read More →)

1. A protocol that reveals a secret key to its legitimate participants for cryptographic use. [After X9.42]
2. The procedure to share a common secret key among different parties by either key agreement or key transport. [After X9.42]

A facility within a group, which facility performs the function of generating keys for any specific key exchange transaction. [After X9.28]

A device, including associated alarms and self-tests, for generating cryptographic keys (and where needed, initialization vectors). [After X9.17]

The number of individuals represented by a key, e.g., the finest granularity is one individual represented by one key; a coarser granularity is a node key. [After X9.26]

The assurance that a key (a) is always used in the proper order and key space, and (b) has not been altered. [After X9.65]

Printed sets of key settings for a specific cryptonet. Keylists may be produced in list, pad, or printed tape format. [INFOSEC-99]

An electronic, self-contained unit which is capable of storing at least one key and transferring that key, upon request, into cryptographic modules. [After X9.17]

1. Supervision and control of the process whereby key is generated, stored, protected, transferred, loaded, used, and destroyed.
2. Ageneration, storage, distribution, deletion, archiving and application of keys in accordance with a security policy.
3. All of the provisions made in a secure IPTV system, which are related to the generation, transport, exchange, storage, safeguarding, use, revocation, and renewing of… (Read More →)

The physically protected enclosure (e.g., room or device) and its contents where cryptographic elements (i.e., cryptographic hardware, software, firmware, keys, or initialization vectors) reside. [After X9.17]

1. The process of applying a count value to a cryptographic key using the Boolean exclusive-OR function. [After X9.17]
2. The count so added.

1. In public-key cryptography, a public key and its corresponding private key.
2. Two key-encrypting keys that are used in concert to encrypt other keys. [After X9.17]

The recertification or replacement of a certificate authority's public/private key pair.

Key used to initialize a keystream generator for the production of other electronically generated key. [INFOSEC-99]

A system of sending telephone calling signals in which the digits are transmitted by operation of a pushbutton key set.
Note: The type of key pulsing commonly used by users and PBX operators is dual-tone multifrequency signaling. Each pushbutton causes generation of a unique pair of tones. In military systems, pushbuttons are also provided for additional signals, such as precedence.… (Read More →)

In cryptology, the protection of keys against compromise. [After X9.19]

A message used for transferring keys between subscribers. [After X9.28]

A multiline or multifunction user terminal device.

A non-secret value that uniquely identifies a key set. [After X9.24]

In cryptology, storage of cryptographic keys in such a manner as (a) to protect them against unauthorized use, disclosure, or tampering, and (b) to erase them and re-initialize equipment upon tampering. [After X9.19]

[A] sequence of symbols (or their electrical or mechanical equivalents) produced in a machine or auto-manual cryptosystem to combine with plain text to produce cipher text, control transmission security processes, or produce key. [INFOSEC-99]

Identification information associated with certain types of electronic key. [INFOSEC-99]

Punched or magnetic tape containing key. Printed key in tape form is referred to as a key list. [INFOSEC-99]

In a local environment, terminals and equipment that provide immediate access from all terminals to a variety of telephone services without attendant assistance.
Note: A KTS may interface with the public switched telephone network.

The means by which a cryptographic key is passed from its origination point to its point(s) of actual use, whether by bonded courier, registered mail, over-the-air-rekeying (OTAR), or a number of other protected methods.
Note: As a result of key transport, all rightful participants share a common secret key in such a way that the secret key is determined entirely… (Read More →)

A characteristic of a key that distinguishes it as either a key-encrypting key or a data key. [After X9.17]

Irreversible cryptographic process for modifying key. [INFOSEC-99]

An identifier that specifies cryptographic services, modes, and key values in which the associated key may be used. [After X9.69]

In public key infrastructure (PKI) systems, the procedure allowing the receiver of a public key to verify that it conforms with the requirements for such a key; this procedure is used to counter certain types of attacks against the security of the PKI system. Synonym public key validation. [After X9.42]

Deprecated synonym for key.

Cryptographic logic using previous key to produce key. [INFOSEC-99]

The first signal in an MF (multifrequency) outpulsing format; a control signal used to prepare the customer installation (CI) to receive digits. [T1.414-1998]

An input device used to enter data by manual depression of keys, which causes the generation of the selected code element.

Synonym keypunch.

A hidden program in a computer that stores user-typed input or other input and sends this data to the originator. Keyboard recorders are used for stealing user identifications, passwords, and other sensitive information.

1. The generating of signals by the interruption or modulation of a steady signal or carrier.
2. See chroma keying.

1. In encryption, the data (e.g., keys, certificates, and initialization vectors) necessary to establish and maintain cryptographic keying relationships. [After X9.24]
2. [A] key, code, or authentication information in physical or magnetic form. [INFOSEC-99]

The state existing between two parties such that they share at least one cryptographic key. [After X9.17]

Deprecated synonym for key.

Historically, a keyboard-actuated punch that punches holes in a data medium. Synonym keyboard punch.

With respect to data entry via a keyboard, determination of the accuracy of data entry by the re-entry of the same data through the same (or another) keyboard. [After 2382-pt.8]

Abbreviation for kilohertz.

Slang contraction of killer application. A successful and popular software application (often written by a third party), that is generally perceived to be superior in function or that employs the latest and most impressive techniques.

A trunk that is seized repeatedly, but is not held for an appreciable length of time due to a malfunction. Within a group these trunks have higher than average attempt rates and shorter than normal holding times.

A unit of frequency denoting one thousand (103) Hz.

A unit of distance corresponding to 1000m.

Abbreviation for kilometer.

In video, by convention, the circuitry introducing white compression into the opto-electronic transfer function and thereby modifying the curve for a more gradual approach to white clip. [After SMPTE]

In electromagnetic wave propagation, a redirection by diffraction of a portion of the incident radiation that strikes a well-defined obstacle such as a mountain range or the edge of a building.
Note: The knife-edge effect is explained by Huygens' principle, which states that a well-defined obstruction to an electromagnetic wave acts as a secondary source, and creates a new wavefront.… (Read More →)

Contraction of knowledge robot. A search tool that automatically seeks relevant online information based on the user's previously identified specifications. Synonyms droid, intelligent agent, personal agent, hotbot. [After Bahorsky]

A component of a search engine that collects information from Internet resources. [2832-35] Synonyms droid, infobot, robotic librarian, search robot.

1. An analytical attack in which a cryptanalyst possesses a substantial quantity of corresponding plain text and cipher text. [2382-pt.8]
2. A method of attack on a crypto system where the cryptanalyst has matching copies of plain text, and its encrypted version.

Key Performance Indicators

See noise power density.

Abbreviation for key telephone system.

Keyboard, Video, and Mouse