Daily Term:
stream cipher
A secret-key (symmetric) encryption algorithm that typically works on a
single bit of a message's data at a time. In the most common type of stream
cipher, a key (comprised of a stream of bits) is generated without regard to
the data being encrypted. The key, or keystream, is then combined with the
data to encrypt it. There are many types of stream ciphers, and they are
generally considered fast forms of encryption. A stream cipher with a
randomly generated keystream forms the basis of the popularized "one-time
pad" or Vernam cipher, which despite its impracticality offers an extremely
high level of security.
David Ferrin
Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind, and the ones
that mind don't matter.
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