ontsleuteld

Ontsleuteld is a Dutch term used to describe data or communications that have been decrypted or unlocked from encryption. It can refer to files, messages, or network traffic whose content is readable again because the cryptographic protection has been removed with an appropriate key or method. The term is commonly used in information security, digital forensics, and data processing to indicate that confidentiality protections are no longer in effect for the addressed content.

Etymology and usage notes: The word combines the prefix ont- (undo, reverse) with sleutelen and sleutel (key). The past participle ontsleuteld is standard, and ontsleutelen or ontcijferen are also encountered as synonyms in Dutch technical language. Ontsleuteling denotes the act of decrypting, while decryptie is the more general term for the decryption process itself. Context is important, because the meaning depends on whether the decryption was performed with proper authorization, appropriate keys, and within compliant safeguards.

Contexts and implications: In practice, ontsleuteld content means the information is readable again, which can occur during incident response, data processing under controlled conditions, or legitimate access by authorized personnel. It does not, by itself, indicate wrongdoing; but decryption removes a layer of protection and therefore raises considerations about privacy, access control, and auditability. Proper key management and clear policies are essential to ensure that decryption is lawful and auditable.

Related terms include ontcijferen, decryptie, sleutelbeheer, and end-to-end encryptie.