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Key Encapsulation

Definition

Key Encapsulation is a cryptographic technique where a symmetric encryption key is securely transmitted by encrypting it with a recipient’s public key. The process generates a ciphertext that effectively “encapsulates” the symmetric key, which only the intended recipient can decrypt using their private key. This method is crucial for establishing secure communication channels without requiring complex key agreement protocols. It forms a fundamental building block for secure data exchange in digital systems.