Plaintext Key

Primary definition

An unencrypted cryptographic key. (FIPS 140-2) (NISTIR)

Also known asunencrypted key · clear key · plain key · unprotected key · exposed key · non-encrypted key · raw key
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
The Cyber GlossaryView source

Understand more election terms clearly

Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.

Free. One useful email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.Learn more about the ESG newsletter →
TCG

An unencrypted cryptographic key. (FIPS 140-2) (NISTIR)

The Cyber Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Plaintext Key. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/plaintext-key

Sources

1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026

01

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

Single-source

View source

Get the weekly election term

Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.

Get election terms explained weekly →
Free · Nonpartisan · Unsubscribe anytime.
Continue Research

Keep going from here

Three ways to go deeper on cybersecurity and adjacent terminology.