The term encryption key refers to a string of characters used to encrypt and decrypt data in data security. Keys are a critical component of cryptographic algorithms, determining how information is transformed and protected from unauthorized access. The security of encrypted data heavily relies on the complexity and length of the encryption key; stronger keys enhance data protection. In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption employs a pair of keys (public and private), enabling secure data exchange in various applications.