Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and Dictionary

Pass Phrase or Passphrase

A passphrase is a string of characters longer than the usual password that is used in creating a digital signature or in an encryption or a decryption of a message. The passphrase represents a long, but easy to remember password. Some WiFi home networking equipment utilizes passphrases to generate static WEP keys. Rather than create the long hexadecimal numbers WEP requires, an administrator may instead enter a passphrase into the setup screens of wireless routers and network adapters. That setup software then automatically sets the appropriate WEP key based on the passphrase provided.

Related Terms

Pass Phrase or Passphrase