PEP is an acronym for "Polymorphic Encryption and Pseudonymization", which hints at its [features](#Features), and at the technology on which it is based. Functionally, PEP is software for the storage and retrieval of tabular data. PEP's storage consists of a single table. This rather limited data structure is offset by some features that run-of-the-mill database systems do not normally provide:
PEP is an acronym for "Polymorphic Encryption and Pseudonymization", which hints at its [features](#features), and at the technology on which it is based. Functionally, PEP is software for the storage and retrieval of tabular data. PEP's storage consists of a single table. This rather limited data structure is offset by some features that run-of-the-mill database systems do not normally provide:
- PEP encrypts data both [at rest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_at_rest#Encryption) and in transit, effectively providing [end-to-end encryption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-to-end_encryption) between the data's uploader(s) and downloader(s).
- PEP [encrypts](#encryption) data both [at rest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_at_rest#Encryption) and in transit, effectively providing [end-to-end encryption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-to-end_encryption) between the data's uploader(s) and downloader(s).
- PEP ensures that no single server or administrator or hosting party can access the data (or provide access to it) by themselves.
- PEP [ensures](#trust_reduction) that no single server or administrator or hosting party can access the data (or provide access to it) by themselves.
- PEP contravenes data blending, preventing data from multiple downloaders from being combined into a larger data set.
- PEP [contravenes data blending](#pseudonymization), preventing data from multiple downloaders from being combined into a larger data set.
- PEP keeps previous data versions available after a cell's contents are overwritten.
- PEP [keeps previous data](#retention) versions available after a cell's contents are overwritten.
More information on these four key features can be found below. Because of these features, PEP is usable for the storage of any (sensitive and/or confidential) information that must be made available in a pseudonymized form. Its current applications include the storage and dissemination of medical data for multiple academic research projects.
More information on these four key features can be found below. Because of these features, PEP is usable for the storage of any (sensitive and/or confidential) information that must be made available in a pseudonymized form. Its current applications include the storage and dissemination of medical data for multiple academic research projects.
