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Computer Science
Key terms
Plaintext

GCSE Computer Science · key term

Plaintext

Definition

Original, unencrypted data that can be understood, such as a readable message.

Used by OCR

How each exam board covers it

OCR GCSE Computer Science · J277

Paper 1

The original, unencrypted data is called plaintext. Despite the name, it need not be a text document: other kinds of digital data can also be encrypted.
Revise: Encryption
Readable, unencrypted data.
Revise: Common Prevention Methods

OCR Computer Science past papers

Related key terms

Ciphertext
Encryption
Key
Anti-malware software
Decryption

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Plaintext — OCR GCSE Computer Science Definition | GradeGen

Least privilege

Malware signature

Penetration testing