A key is a tool which enables access to a restricted resource.
Specialized Meaning
In digital networking, key often especially means a secret alphanumeric string which enables agents to access a restricted media item.
Digital keys often enable agents to:
- use specific user identities
- send to and/or receive from channels
- send to and/or receive from storage addresses
- deciphering encrypted data
Agents often create unique digital keys for accessing specific user identities via the user interfaces of applications. By contrast, some keys may be shared by all users who hold a specific assigned role within a specific network or collective.
Secured signaling may require agents to manually enter keys. However, some applications can store previously entered keys, or link keys to specific user identities.
See base regarding the concept of a key or primary element in a specific system.