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Glossary · Security

IV

Initialization Vector

In plain language

A random starting value that makes sure the same message scrambles differently every time.

The metaphor

Like shuffling a deck before each deal, so the same hand never comes out in the same order.

Going deeper

How it works

  • It is not secret, but it must not repeat.
  • It stops attackers from spotting repeated messages.
  • The software generates and sends it along with the data.
  • Reusing one can weaken or break the protection.
In practice
  • A secure messaging app creates a new one for each message.
  • A weak Wi-Fi setup reused them and was broken.
  • A developer is told never to reuse one.

A question owners ask

Is this something I manage?

No. It is handled by the software, and it matters only to the developers building it.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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