Definition ∞ A Key Encapsulation Mechanism is a cryptographic primitive used to securely transfer a symmetric encryption key from one party to another using public-key cryptography. The sender encrypts the symmetric key with the recipient’s public key, and the recipient uses their private key to decrypt it. This process is essential for establishing secure communication channels without directly exchanging the symmetric key. KEMs are a fundamental building block for secure data exchange.
Context ∞ Key Encapsulation Mechanisms are a critical topic in cybersecurity news, particularly in discussions about post-quantum cryptography and the future of secure communications. NIST’s standardization efforts for quantum-resistant KEMs, such as ML-KEM and FrodoKEM, are widely reported. Understanding KEMs is vital for comprehending how digital systems protect sensitive information against advanced cryptographic attacks.
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