Definition ∞ Symmetric subset predicate encryption is a cryptographic scheme that allows a user to encrypt a set of data such that a third party can test if a specific subset of keywords is contained within the encrypted set, without learning the actual keywords or the full set. This method relies on a single symmetric key for both encryption and decryption operations. It offers a balance between privacy and selective search functionality.
Context ∞ This encryption technique is particularly relevant for secure cloud storage and confidential data management in decentralized environments. It enables efficient and private verification of data properties or access control without revealing sensitive information. Research efforts focus on improving the security guarantees and practical performance of such advanced cryptographic primitives.