Entropy Sources
Entropy sources are mechanisms or systems that generate unpredictable, random data used in cryptography and security applications. They provide the foundational randomness required for cryptographic operations like key generation, nonces, and initialization vectors. High-quality entropy is critical to ensure that cryptographic systems are secure against attacks that exploit predictable patterns.
Developers should learn about entropy sources when building secure applications that rely on cryptography, such as encryption, digital signatures, or secure authentication. Understanding entropy helps in selecting appropriate sources (e.g., hardware-based vs. software-based) to prevent vulnerabilities like weak keys or predictable outputs, which can compromise security in systems like blockchain, TLS, or password managers.