Re-Encryption Key

Definition ∞ A re-encryption key is a specialized cryptographic key used in Proxy Re-Encryption schemes. This key is generated by the data owner and given to a proxy, enabling the proxy to convert ciphertext encrypted under the data owner’s public key into ciphertext encrypted under a recipient’s public key. The re-encryption key itself does not allow the proxy to view the plaintext data. It acts as a bridge for secure, delegated access to encrypted information.
Context ∞ The secure generation and management of re-encryption keys are paramount for the integrity of privacy-preserving data sharing systems. A key discussion involves ensuring the non-collusion properties of the proxy and the data owner to prevent unauthorized data access. Critical future developments focus on creating robust protocols for key distribution and revocation, further strengthening the security guarantees of Proxy Re-Encryption applications in decentralized environments.