Primary definition
Encryption system that uses the same key for encryption and decryption. This key must be kept secret.
Also known assecret key cryptography · shared key cryptography · private key cryptography · conventional cryptography
3 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— EAC Glossary of TermsView source
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EAC
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Encryption system that uses the same key for encryption and decryption. This key must be kept secret.
EAC Glossary of Terms · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Symmetric Cryptography. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/symmetric-cryptography
Sources
3 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
EAC Glossary of Terms
EAC Glossary of Terms
High consensus
02
NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary
Disputed
03
NIST Election Glossary
NIST Election Glossary
Multi-source
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