title: Storing the Initialization Vector - Separate field?
body: <p>When encryption sensitive information using the .NET <code>AesCryptoServiceProvider</code> library I generate a unique Initialization Vector (IV) for each value that is encrypted. In the database record where I save the encrypted data I have a field named "IV" which stores the Initialization Vector for use in later decryption.</p>
  
  <p>Is there a different way in which the Initialization Vector can be stored alongside the cipher-text? By appending the IV to the Cipher Text perhaps? If so, is there a standard approach?</p>