private key
A cryptographic key that must be kept confidential and is used to enable the operation of an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm.
Senses
Sense 1
A cryptographic key that must be kept confidential and is used to enable the operation of an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm.
The secret part of an asymmetric key pair that is uniquely associated with an entity.
References
- NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity VocabularyJan 06, 2026NICCS glossary export (CSV)https://niccs.cisa.gov/rest/vocab/export-csvNICCS is a CISA (DHS) program. Individual glossary entries include a "From" attribution (e.g., CNSSI 4009, NIST SPs, NICE Framework). Treat "From" values as upstream provenance and verify before quoting large portions of text.Source: NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity Vocabulary (niccs.cisa.gov).