The basic power in cryptography is randomness. This uncertainty is why encrypted data is unusable to someone without the key to decrypt.
Initialization Vectors are a used with encryption keys to add an extra layer of randomness to encrypted data. If no IV is used the attacker can possibly break the keyspace because of patterns resulting in the encryption process. Implementation such as DES in Code Book Mode (CBC) would allow frequency analysis attack to take place.
In cryptography, an initialization vector (IV) or starting variable (SV)is a fixed-size input to a cryptographic primitive that is typically required to be random or pseudorandom.
Randomization is crucial for encryption schemes to achieve semantic security, a property
whereby repeated usage of the scheme under the same key does not allow an attacker to
infer relationships between segments of the encrypted message. For block ciphers, the use
of an IV is described by so-called modes of operation. Randomization is also required for
other primitives, such as universal hash functions and message authentication codes
based thereon.
It is define by TechTarget as:
An initialization vector (IV) is an arbitrary number that can be used along with a secret key
for data encryption. This number, also called a nonce, is employed only one time in any
session.
The use of an IV prevents repetition in data encryption, making it more difficult for a hacker
using a dictionary attack to find patterns and break a cipher. For example, a sequence
might appear twice or more within the body of a message. If there are repeated sequences
in encrypted data, an attacker could assume that the corresponding sequences in the
message were also identical. The IV prevents the appearance of corresponding duplicate
character sequences in the ciphertext.
The following answers are incorrect:
-Stream Cipher: This isn't correct. A stream cipher is a symmetric key cipher where plaintext digits are combined with pseudorandom key stream to product cipher text.
-OTP - One Time Pad: This isn't correct but OTP is made up of random values used as key material. (Encryption key) It is considered by most to be unbreakable but must be changed with a new key after it is used which makes it impractical for common use.
-Ciphertext: Sorry, incorrect answer. Ciphertext is basically text that has been encrypted with key material (Encryption key)
The following reference(s) was used to create this question:
For more details on this TOPIC and other questions of the Security+ CBK, subscribe to our Holistic Computer Based Tutorial (CBT) at http://www.cccure.tv and whatis.techtarget.com/definition/initialization-vector-IV and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initialization_vector