Pronunciation: [pɹˈa͡ɪvət kˈiː kɹɪptˈɒɡɹəfi] (IPA)
Private key cryptography is a method of encryption where both the sender and receiver share the same secret key. This key is used to encrypt and decrypt messages, ensuring that only the intended recipient is able to read the message. Synonyms for private key cryptography include symmetric-key cryptography, shared secret encryption, and secret key cryptography. These terms all refer to the same concept of using a shared, secret key to encrypt and decrypt messages. Another related term is asymmetric-key cryptography, which uses two separate keys - a private key and a public key - to secure communication.