crypto, CRYPTO
A prefix ("crypto-") that means "cryptographic".
Senses
1 (N)
A prefix ("crypto-") that means "cryptographic".
Usage: IDOCs MAY use this prefix when it is part of a term listed in this Glossary. Otherwise, IDOCs SHOULD NOT use this prefix; instead, use the unabbreviated adjective, "cryptographic".
- IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)Jan 06, 2026RFC 4949 — Internet Security Glossary (Version 2)https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4949.txtRFC 4949 is published by the IETF Trust and marked as "Distribution of this memo is unlimited". Verify IETF Trust copyright/licensing terms for reuse.Source: IETF RFC 4949 (rfc-editor.org).
2 (D)
In lower case, "crypto" is an abbreviation for the adjective "cryptographic", or for the nouns "cryptography" or "cryptographic component".
Deprecated Abbreviation: IDOCs SHOULD NOT use this abbreviation because it could easily be misunderstood in some technical sense.
- IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)Jan 06, 2026RFC 4949 — Internet Security Glossary (Version 2)https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4949.txtRFC 4949 is published by the IETF Trust and marked as "Distribution of this memo is unlimited". Verify IETF Trust copyright/licensing terms for reuse.Source: IETF RFC 4949 (rfc-editor.org).
3 (O) /U.S. Government/
In upper case, "CRYPTO" is a marking or designator that identifies "COMSEC keying material used to secure or authenticate telecommunications carrying classified or sensitive U.S. Government or U.S. Government-derived information." [C4009] (See: security label, security marking.)
- IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)Jan 06, 2026RFC 4949 — Internet Security Glossary (Version 2)https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4949.txtRFC 4949 is published by the IETF Trust and marked as "Distribution of this memo is unlimited". Verify IETF Trust copyright/licensing terms for reuse.Source: IETF RFC 4949 (rfc-editor.org).