- Rainbow table A pre-computed table of hashes used to crack password hashes. It is a common tool in the field of information security and is used to accelerate the process of cracking passwords. Examples include the use of rainbow tables to crack simple passwords, the use of rainbow tables to crack complex passwords, and the use of rainbow tables to crack hashed passwords.
- Random Access Memory (RAM) A type of memory used in computers to store data and instructions that are currently being used or accessed. It is a crucial component of any computer system and is essential for efficient performance. Examples include the use of RAM to store operating system files, the use of RAM to store application data, and the use of RAM to store temporary data.
- Randomization The process of introducing randomness into a system in order to improve security and make it more difficult for attackers to predict and exploit vulnerabilities. It is used in cryptography and security protocols to make it harder for attackers to predict and crack passwords or keys. Examples include random password generation, randomized encryption keys, and random number generation.
- Randomizer (in IT) A utility or function that generates random or pseudorandom data. Used in software testing and gaming to ensure unpredictability and fairness, such as randomizing test cases or game scenarios. In cybersecurity, it may involve randomizing session tokens or security challenges to prevent attacks.
- Randomness The property of being unpredictable and lacking a definite pattern or order. It is used in security to create unpredictable values and prevent attackers from guessing or predicting sensitive information. Examples of randomness include the use of a random number generator to create a password or the shuffling of a deck of cards.
- Random number generators (RNGs) Algorithms or devices that produce random or unpredictable sequences of numbers or data. They are used in cryptography and security systems to generate strong encryption keys, randomize data for statistical analysis, and prevent bias or predictability in simulations or tests. Examples include using hardware RNGs based on physical processes, such as thermal noise or radioactive decay, and using software RNGs based on mathematical functions, such as the Mersenne Twister or the SHA-1 hash algorithm.
- Range check A validation process used to ensure that a given value is within a specified range. It is used in programming and data entry to prevent out-of-range values from being accepted. Examples of range checking include ensuring that a password meets minimum length requirements or that a user-entered age falls within a certain age range.
- Ransomware A type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. It is commonly used to target individuals and businesses, often through email phishing scams or infected website downloads. Examples include the WannaCry attack that affected the NHS in 2017, the CryptoLocker attack that targeted Microsoft Windows users in 2013, and the recent Ryuk ransomware attack on the printing company RR Donnelley in 2019.
- Rapid Application Development (RAD)A software development methodology that emphasizes speed and flexibility over traditional planning and design processes. It is used to quickly prototype and iterate on software ideas. Examples of RAD include using agile development methodologies or using low-code platforms to quickly build applications.
- Rapid elasticity The ability of a cloud system to quickly scale up or down in response to changes in demand or usage. It is used in cloud computing to ensure that a system has the necessary resources to handle sudden increases in traffic or workload without affecting performance or availability. Examples include auto-scaling, load balancing, and resource allocation.
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