Randomness Reuse

Definition ∞ ‘Randomness Reuse’ refers to the practice of using the same source of random numbers for multiple independent cryptographic operations or protocol steps. This practice can significantly weaken the security of cryptographic schemes if not managed with extreme care. It is a critical consideration in the design of secure systems.
Context ∞ In blockchain and cryptocurrency contexts, ‘Randomness Reuse’ is a particular concern for protocols that rely on unpredictable values, such as in lottery systems or certain consensus mechanisms. Discussions often highlight instances where improper randomness generation has led to security breaches. Future developments to watch include the adoption of provably secure random number generation techniques and their robust integration into sensitive applications.