TERM

initialization vector

Synonym for "initialization value".

Updated

Jan 06, 2026

Senses

(D) /cryptography/

Synonym for "initialization value". Deprecated Term: To avoid international misunderstanding, IDOCs SHOULD NOT use this term in the context of cryptography because most dictionary definitions of "vector" includes a concept of direction or magnitude, which are irrelevant to cryptographic use.

Synonym for "initialization value".

Deprecated Term: To avoid international misunderstanding, IDOCs SHOULD NOT use this term in the context of cryptography because most dictionary definitions of "vector" includes a concept of direction or magnitude, which are irrelevant to cryptographic use.

IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)

Bibliography

IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)
Accessed Jan 06, 2026Quoted
RFC 4949 — Internet Security Glossary (Version 2)
https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4949.txt
RFC 4949 is published by the IETF Trust and marked as "Distribution of this memo is unlimited". Verify IETF Trust copyright/licensing terms for reuse.
Source: IETF RFC 4949 (rfc-editor.org).