A CDE Definition
digital envelope
(1) An encrypted message that uses both secret key and public key cryptography methods. A secret key is used to encrypt and decrypt the message, but the public key method is used to send the secret key to the other party. See RSA.
(2) A frame, or packet, of data that has been encrypted for transmission over a network.
(3) A term occasionally used to describe inserting data into a packet or frame for transmission over a network. The envelope metaphor implies a container. See encapsulation and container.

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