Pre-shared key

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A pre-shared key or PSK is a secret which was previously shared between the two parties using an external channel. The characteristics of this secret or key are determined by the system which uses it. It can be a password like 'tom13i', or a passphrase like 'idaho hung gear id gene' or a hexadecimal string like '65E4 E556 8622 EEE1'. This secret is used by all systems involved in the cryptographic processes used to secure the traffic between the systems.

Since the weakpoint of the encryption is the strength of the key, it is very important to choose a cryptographically secure key. There are several tools available to help one choose a strong key. Diceware is one example.

[edit] Examples

  • A pre shared key is a password which is entered to access a secure wifi system using WEP or WPA. Both the wireless access point (AP) and the client share the same key.
  • The book used by Alice and Bob when they use a book cipher.
  • The passphrase entered to decrypt a file encrypted with PGP which did not use PKI.


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