Phrase guide

ciphertext-only attack

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An attack on a cryptosystem that relies only on the attacker's knowledge of some ciphertexts encrypted with that system and key. Less powerful than a known-plaintext attack.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, cryptography, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

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Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: vain salatekstiin perustuva hyökkäys — cryptanalytic attack