In cryptography, the simplest mode of operation used with a block cipher to provide the complete encryption algorithm. Each block of regular text (plaintext) is encrypted with the cipher as a unit and turned into encrypted text (ciphertext). The weakness in the electronic code book (ECB) method is that repeating plaintext generates repeating ciphertext from which cryptanalysis can more easily derive the secret keys. When the letters ECB follow a cipher, it denotes the electronic code book mode is used; for example, DES-ECB and AES-ECB. See mode of operation, block cipher and cryptography.