Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and Dictionary

KDF: Key Derivation Function

A Key derivation function (or KDF) is a cryptographic hash function which derives one or more secret keys from secret values and/or other known information. Key derivation functions are often used in conjunction with non-secret parameters to derive one or more keys from a common secret value. Such use may prevent an attacker who obtains a derived key from learning useful information about either the input secret value or any of the other derived keys. A KDF may also be used to ensure that derived keys have other desirable properties, such as avoiding "weak keys" in some specific encryption systems.

Related Terms

KDF: Key Derivation Function