+An **encryption key** is a critical piece of secret information, a digital password, used to transform data into an unreadable format. It serves as the unique instrument that both locks ([Encryption](/wiki/encryption)) and unlocks ([Decryption](/wiki/decryption)) information, safeguarding its privacy and integrity.
+## See also
+- [Cryptography](/wiki/cryptography)
+- [Cipher](/wiki/cipher)
+- [Plaintext](/wiki/plaintext)
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