Security1 min read
A plain-language encryption glossary
AEAD, KDF, ECDH, zero-knowledge — the words behind the locks, defined in a sentence each so the rest of the blog reads easily.
A plain-language encryption glossary
AEAD, KDF, ECDH, zero-knowledge — the words behind the locks, defined in a sentence each so the rest of the blog reads easily.
Encryption has a vocabulary problem. Here are the terms we use across the blog, each in a sentence.
The short list
- Symmetric encryption — one key both locks and unlocks.
- AEAD — encryption that also detects tampering (we use AES-GCM-256).
- KDF — turns your password into a strong key (slowly, on purpose).
- ECDH — two parties agree on a shared key without sending it.
- Zero-knowledge — the server can store your data but never read it.
Why the slowness in a KDF is a feature
fast hash -> attacker guesses billions/sec
slow KDF -> attacker guesses thousands/secGood crypto is mostly boring, well-understood primitives used carefully. Excitement is a warning sign.