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"TMK"

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Illustration of a Terminal Master Key (TMK) securing a payment terminal

HSM & Security

What is TMK (Terminal Master Key)?

TMK stands for Terminal Master Key, a key-encrypting key distributed manually or automatically under a previously established TMK. It is used to distribute data encryption keys to an ATM or POS terminal within a local network.

Diagram illustrating the Remote Key Loading (RKL) process

ATM

What Is RKL (Remote Key Loading)?

RKL is the process of distributing a TMK (Terminal Master Key) to each terminal from a central point. It is used to remotely load keys onto POS and ATM devices, loading TMKs onto an ATM's keypad or activating them on a POS.

Diagram illustrating Terminal PIN Key (TPK) usage in POS and ATM devices

HSM & Security

What is TPK (Terminal PIN Key)?

TPK stands for Terminal PIN Key. It is a data encryption key used to encrypt PINs for transmission between a terminal and the terminal's bank (acquirer) within a local network. Learn how TPK is used in POS and ATM devices.

Diagram showing the Terminal Authentication Key (TAK) concept

HSM & Security

What is TAK (Terminal Authentication Key)?

TAK stands for Terminal Authentication Key. It is the data encryption key used to generate and verify a Message Authentication Code (MAC) for data communication between a terminal and the acquirer within a local network.

Diagram illustrating the relationship between KEK and DEK encryption keys

HSM & Security

What is KEK (Key Encryption Key)?

KEK (Key Encryption Key) is an encryption key used to encrypt the DEK (Data Encryption Key) and decrypt the encrypted DEK. The relationship between KEK and DEK: in encryption systems, keys are managed in a layered structure.

Diagram of PIN Encryption Key (PEK) structure

HSM & Security

What is PEK (Pin Encryption Key)?

PEK is the abbreviation for Pin Encryption Key. The role of PEK is to encrypt PINs. There are two types of PEK: TPK (Terminal Pin Key) and ZWK (Zone Working Key).

Illustration representing the PIN Verification Key (PVK) concept in HSM security

Credit Card

What is PVK (Pin Verification Key)?

PVK (Pin Verification Key) is a key held on the HSM, used in PIN generation and verification, and therefore to confirm that a PIN is correct. On a shared network it is encrypted under TMK or ZMK; on a local network it is encrypted under one of the LMK pairs.

Diagram illustrating the Card Verification Key (CVK) concept

Credit Card

What is CVK (Card Verification Key)?

CVK (Card Verification Key) is the key information used to generate and verify CVV/CVC values, confirming their validity. It is kept as a pair of keys, CVK A and CVK B, encrypted under TMK, ZMK or LMK.

Diagram of symmetric key types used in payment systems

HSM & Security

Types of Symmetric Keys

In the world of payment systems, keys and their uses are important for transferring information from one place to another, storing information, and securing authorization and scripting steps. Key types are divided into six categories based on their purpose.