A-Z Popular New Security Search »
top   »  information technology   »  information security   »  cryptography   »  key derivation function

What is a Key Derivation Function?

 , updated on
Image
A key derivation function is an algorithm that generates a cryptographic key from a password or master key. They produce the same result every time for a given input such that it is possible to find the key from a given password.
Passwords are potentially too weak to use directly in encryption. Key derivation functions are often used to create a longer and more random key from a password. This is technique is known as key stretching.
Key derivation functions are commonly based on cryptographic hash functions or block ciphers and may make use of salt and pepper.
Overview: Key Derivation Function
Type
Cryptography
Definition
An algorithm that produces a key from a password or master key.
Related Concepts
Cryptography
Cryptographic Keys
Cryptographic Salt
Information Security

64 Shares

Encryption

This is the complete list of articles we have written about encryption.
Cleartext
Cryptography
Hashcode
Key Stretching
Keys
Nonce
Pepper
Private Key
Random Seed
Salt
Plaintext
Pseudorandom
Public Key
Public Key Encryption
Strong Password
Symmetric Encryption
More ...

Citation

John Spacey. "What is a Key Derivation Function?." Simplicable. Retrieved June 22, 2026. from https://simplicable.com/IT/key-derivation-function

Cryptography

A list of cryptography concepts.

Hashcode

An overview of hashcodes.

Pseudorandom vs Random

The difference between a pseudorandom and true random number.

Cryptographic Keys

Definitions of common types of cryptographic key.

Password vs Key

The difference between passwords and keys.

Digital Watermark

A definition of digital watermark with examples.

Network Security

An extensive list of network security techniques.

Security vs Privacy

The relationship between security and privacy.

Hardening

An overview of technology hardening.

Deep Magic

An overview of deep magic, a technology term.

Defense In Depth

An overview of defense In depth.

Encryption Examples

A definition of encryption with examples.

Canary Trap

A definition of canary trap with an example.

Honeypot

A definition of honeypot with examples.

Security Through Obscurity

A definition of security through obscurity with an example.

Tokens

A definition of token with examples.

Backdoor

A definition of backdoor with examples.

Trending

The most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.

New Articles

Recent posts or updates on Simplicable.
Site Map
Benchmarking
Business Analysis
Coding
Communication
Compliance
Networking
Computing
Creativity
Data
Design
Design Thinking
Governance
Information Security
Information Technology
Infrastructure
Knowledge Management
Management
Metrics
Organizational Culture
Problem Solving
Productivity
Project Management
Quality
More ...
© 2010-2026 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited.

View credits & copyrights for this page.

Home About     Privacy Policy     Cookies Terms of Use     Contact Us Advertising Search


Cookies help us deliver our services. You have choices regarding these cookies. Please visit our privacy policy, cookie policy and consent tool to learn more.


Copyright 2002-2026 Simplicable. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or translated. Report violations here.
Image