Question

WEP's RC4 approach to encryption uses a 24-bit string of characters added to transmitted data, such that the same plain-text data frame will never appear as the same WEP-encrypted data frame. What is this string of characters called?

a) Initialization Vector (IV)
b) Preamble
c) Key Exchange
d) Cipher Suite

Answer 1

The 24-bit string of characters added to data in WEP RC4 encryption to prevent the same encrypted output is called an Initialization Vector (IV).

Step-by-step explanation:

In WEP's RC4 encryption method, the 24-bit string of characters added to transmitted data to ensure that the same plain-text data frame doesn't appear as the same WEP-encrypted data frame is called an Initialization Vector (IV). This is a small, nondeterministic piece of data used to prevent patterns that could emerge during encryption, thus enhancing security. Each time a packet is encrypted, a new IV is generated, which is then appended to the packet data. Because the IV changes frequently, the same data will result in a different encrypted packet each time, making it more difficult for attackers to find patterns to exploit.

The string of characters added to transmitted data in WEP's RC4 approach to encryption, such that the same plain-text data frame will never appear as the same WEP-encrypted data frame, is called the Initialization Vector (IV).