What term describes a secret code that secures sensitive information across public channels and is decipherable only with a matching electronic key?

• A. Password
• B. Electronic key
• C. Digital signature
• D. Manual key

Answer: (B)

Securing data over public channels with a secret code that can be deciphered only with a matching electronic key is about encryption and keys. The idea is that information is transformed into unreadable form unless you have the key that reverses the process. An electronic key serves as that secret that unlocks the encrypted data, ensuring confidentiality even when the message travels through insecure networks. The other options don’t fit the role of enabling someone to read the protected information: a password is typically used for authentication, not for decrypting a message; a digital signature provides authenticity and integrity but not confidentiality; a manual key isn’t a standard term for unlocking encrypted data. So the term that best matches the concept described is the electronic key.