What is a session key?

A session key is specifically designed for use during a single session of communication between parties. It is a symmetric key, meaning the same key is used for both encryption and decryption processes. Once the session is completed, the session key is typically discarded and not reused. This approach enhances security by minimizing the lifetime of the key, making it less susceptible to attacks such as eavesdropping.

Using a session key effectively protects the confidentiality and integrity of the data exchanged during that session because even if the session key were compromised, it would only expose the data from that specific session, not future communications. This is a standard practice in protocols such as SSL/TLS, where session keys are generated to safeguard temporary data transfers. This understanding of session keys is crucial for maintaining secure communications in various cybersecurity contexts.