Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and Dictionary

Cryptographic Coprocessor

Cryptographic coprocessor is a specially designed processor for encryption and related processing. Such devices are built with numerous protection features that prevent unauthorized retrieval of their data as well as from having their circuits reverse engineered. A cryptographic coprocessor may provide only encryption, or it may include certain transaction processing. For example, a smart card coprocessor includes smart card functions in order to house them in the same protective environment as the encryption algorithm.

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Cryptographic Coprocessor