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To encrypt operating system and data disks in Azure using Azure Disk Encryption, the key component required is a key. Azure Disk Encryption relies on the use of encryption keys to secure the data. Specifically, it uses two types of keys: the Encryption Key, which encrypts the data, and the Key Encryption Key (KEK), which encrypts the Encryption Key itself. These keys are crucial for ensuring that the data stored on the disks remains protected and can only be accessed by authorized users.

The use of a key ensures a robust encryption strategy, allowing for the data to be safeguarded against unauthorized access. The management and storage of these keys can be facilitated through Azure Key Vault, which provides a secure environment for key management.

Other components listed, while relevant in different contexts, do not serve as the primary mechanism for encryption. A passphrase may be used as part of the key management process, but it is not a direct component of the Azure Disk Encryption feature. Certificates might be involved in certain scenarios for authentication and securing communication, but they do not directly relate to the encryption of disk data. Secrets can pertain to the storage of sensitive information but are less specific to the encryption infrastructure itself in Azure Disk Encryption.