DEK - Data Encryption Key

A Data Encryption Key (DEK) is a Symmetric Key which is used to encrypt and decrypt data. An organization can create one or more DEKs using Powertech Encryption for IBM i. For instance, a DEK could be created to encrypt/decrypt credit card numbers and a second DEK could be created to encrypt/decrypt social security numbers.

A DEK should be randomly generated by Powertech Encryption for IBM i in order to provide the highest degree of protection. Depending on your organization’s key policy, you can additionally have Powertech Encryption for IBM i generate a DEK which is based on a passphrase entered by the user.