Random and Pseudo-Random Number Generation Methods

Random numbers play a key-role in cryptography, since they are used, e.g., to define enciphering keys or passwords [1]. Nowadays, the generation of random numbers is obtained referring to two types of devices, that are often properly combined together: True Random Number Generators (TRNGs), and Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs). The former are devices that exploit truly stochastic physical phenomena [2, 3, 4, 5, 6], such as the electronic noise or the chaotic dynamics of certain nonlinear systems: for these devices the output sequences have an intrinsic degree of unpredictability, that is measured referring to the theoretical tools provided by Information Theory (e.g., in terms of the Shannon entropy) [7,4]. On the other hand, PRNGs are deterministic periodic finite state machines whose aim is to emulate, within the period, the random behavior of a truly random source of numbers. From a theoretical point of view, due to their deterministic nature, PRNGs are potentially predictable by observing their generated sequences [8, 9, 10, 1]. Nevertheless, in literature some families of PRNGs are classified to be ‘secure’, meaning that their algorithmic structure involves calculations that in average, referring to the prediction task, require an amount of computation time that is asymptotically unfeasible with the size of the problem, when referring to both the computational equipment at disposal and the known computing fastest algorithms [1,11]. It is worth noting that a given generator, even if belonging to an asymptotically secure family of PRNGs, can generate short periodic (and unsecure) sequences for several values of the initial seed. Therefore, apart from the cryptographic robustness of their algorithmic structure, a cryptographic PRNG must generate sequences that are acceptable from a statistical point of view, i.e., that pass a certain number of standard statistical tests [1, 12].

The requirement of encryption is everywhere whether data is being transmitted or being stored in some devices. Random numbers can be used in data encryption. Every IoT device which is connected to a network needs secure and low cost techniques for encryption. In modern day the introduction of cryptocurrency wallet and other wallet services need more secure and random key for encryption which cannot be generated through algorithm-based Pseudo Random Number Generator (PRNG). The advanced video games require true random numbers. The connected portable IoT devices also transfer sensitive data. So, a low cost and simple circuit of True Random Number Generator (TRNG) effectuate the requirements. A non-deterministic signal or a noise signal is a source of true randomness. Detection of non-deterministic signal using sensors is a simple approach which is used in this paper to generate True Random Numbers. The TRNG proposed in this paper have simple hardware setup which includes an Arduino Uno board, LDR sensor and sound sensor. A simple modular equation and EXOR logic is used as processing algorithm. The random number generated through this setup passes all the tests of randomness given in the NIST-STS test.

Random numbers are at the heart of diverse fields, ranging from simulations of stochastic processes to classical and quantum cryptography. The requirement for true randomness in these applications has motivated various proposals for generating random numbers based on the inherent randomness of quantum systems. The generation of true random numbers with arbitrarily defined probability distributions is highly desirable for applications, but it is very challenging. Here we show that single-photon quantum walks can generate multi-bit random numbers with on-demand probability distributions, when the required “coin” parameters are found with the gradient descent (GD) algorithm. Our theoretical and experimental results exhibit high fidelity for various selected distributions. This GD-enhanced single-photon system provides a convenient way for building flexible and reliable quantum random number generators. Multi-bit random numbers are a necessary resource for high-dimensional quantum key distribution.

In today’s world, advancement of Information Technology has been simultaneously followed by cyber crimes resulting in offensive and distressful digital contents. Threat to the digital content has initiated the need for application of forensic activities in digital field seeking evidence against any type of cyber crimes for the sake of reinforcement of the law and order. Digital Forensics is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and forensic sciences, rapidly utilizing the recovery and/or investigation works on digital data explored in electronic memory based devices with reference to any cyber based unethical, illegal, and unauthorized activities. A typical digital forensic investigation work follows three steps to collect evidence(s): content acquisition, content analysis and report generation. In digital content analysis higher amount of data volumes and human resource(s) exposure to distressing and offensive materials are of major concerns. Lack of technological support for processing large amount of offensive data makes the analytical procedure quite time consuming and expensive. Thus, it results in a degradation of mental health of concerned investigators. Backlog in processing time by law enforcement department and financial limitations initiate huge demand for digital forensic investigators turning out trustworthy results within reasonable time. Forensic analysis is performed on randomly populated sample, instead of entire population size, for faster and reliable analysis procedure of digital contents. Present work reports about an efficient design methodology to facilitate random sampling procedure to be used in digital forensic investigations. Cellular Automata (CA) based approach has been used in our random sampling method. Equal Length Cellular Automata (ELCA) based pseudo-random pattern generator (PRPG) has been proposed in a cost effective manner utilizing the concept of random pattern generator. Exhibition of high degree randomness has been demonstrated in the field of randomness quality testing. Concerned cost effectiveness refers to time complexity, space complexity, design complexity and searching complexity. This research includes the comparative study for some well known random number generators, e.g., recursive pseudo-random number generator (RPRNG), atmospheric noise based true-random number generator (TRNG), Monte-Carlo (M-C) pseudo-random number generator, Maximum Length Cellular Automata (MaxCA) random number generator and proposed Equal Length Cellular Automata (ELCA) random number generator.Resulting sequences for all those above mentioned pattern generatorshave significant improvement in terms of randomness quality. Associated fault coverage is being improved using iterative methods. Emphasis on cost effectiveness has been initiated for proposed random sampling in forensic analysis.

Pseudo random number generators (PRNG) play a key role in various security and cryptographic applications where the performance of these applications is directly related to the quality of generated random numbers. The design of such random number generators is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose an application of Hopfield Neural Networks (HNN) as pseudo random number generator. This is done based on a unique property of HNN, i.e., its unpredictable behavior under certain conditions. We compare the main features of ideal random number generators with those of PRNG based on Hopfield Neural Networks. We use a battery of statistical tests developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to measure the performance, and to evaluate the quality of the proposed Hopfield random number generator.

Random numbers are widely used in various applications. In the majority of cases, a pseudo-random number generator is used since true random number generators are slow and they are barely suitable for the hardware implementation. In this paper, we present new architecture of URNG (uniform random number generator) employing Leap-Ahead LFSR architecture for hardware implementation. In particular, the proposed URNG consists of two more segmented Leap-Ahead LFSRs to overcome the drawback of the conventional URNG employing Leap-Ahead architecture, that is, the sharp decrease of a maximum period of the generated random numbers. Thus, the proposed URNG with segmented LFSR architecture can generate multiple bits random number in a cycle without the frequent diminishing of maximum period of the generated random numbers. We prove the efficiency of the proposed segmented LFSR-architecture through the mathematical analysis. The simulation results show that the proposed URNG employing segmented Leap-Ahead LFSR architecture can be increased 2.5 times of the maximum period of generated random numbers compared to the URNG using the conventional Leap-Ahead architecture.

With1 the advent of quantum computers, encryption technologies such as RSA and ECC, which currently protect data integrity, are at risk of being compromised with ease. This development poses significant threats to the security of cloud computing and data centers. Additionally, the Random Number Generators (RNGs) that form the foundation of existing encryption systems may also become predictable under quantum computer attacks, necessitating the introduction of new RNGs. This paper introduces four widely used Pseudorandom Number Generators (PRNGs) and three Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), evaluating their randomness, speed, and data range using TestU01 and other analytical tools. The evaluation results demonstrate that the strengths and weaknesses of RNGs differ in terms of speed, randomness, and implementation complexity, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate RNG based on the priority factors of each service.

We present a new way of testing Random Number Generators (RNGs). Our approach allows to test Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs) including Cryptographically Secure Pseudo Random Number Generators (CSPRNGs). The paper describes how to use machine learning for this. To construct a tester we compare the properties of three most common learning techniques to find the one most suitable one for testing RNGs. By analyzing the system during training and regarding the expected behavior of random numbers, we define an optimizer for learning RNGs. Based on the results and regarding the behavior of the machine learning algorithm, we define a rating for RNGs. On a state-of-the-art GPU cluster, we evaluate the full tester for multiple PRNGs. Additionally, we compare the results with the results from the commonly used test suite dieharder. The results prove that the developed tester is suitable for testing random numbers. In comparison to dieharder, it is even more powerful and able to replace it. Our tester could disclose weaknesses in PRNGs that are wrongly considered as CSPRNG. This could increase the security of many cryptographic protocols based on random numbers.

Present day's data security plays a vital role in digital human life. Data is a valuable asset to any organization and hence its security from external attacks is very important. Information security is not only an important aspect but essential, to secure data from unapproved access. Data encryption, decryption and key management are the key factors in data protection. It is very important to have the right data security solution to meet the challenging threats. Cryptosystem implementation and random number generators are crucial for Cryptosystem applications such as security applications, space applications, military applications and smart cards et al. In this paper, we present the implementation of hybrid cryptosystem based on the True Random number Generator, pseudo Random number Generator and whitening the data by using the ASIC design flow.

This paper presents a method to hide three binary images in a grayscale image with same resolution. Pseudo Random Number Generator(PRNG) produces the random numbers that rearranges the binary values. PRNG algorithm is unique and the strength of random numbers generated are equal to random numbers generated without a seed value. Each binary image pixel values are rearranged through three random number series and it is hidden in a grayscale image through Ultra Unique Numbers (UUN). By comparing both concealed image and original image, modification among the image is identified. To identify concealed secret binary information in a grayscale image at the destination, UUN is reapplied. PRNG is used to rearrange the binary values for transforming the binary images. The main aim of this paper is to increase the embedding capacity of carter image without degrading the quality of the secret information with high Peak Signal Noise Ratio(PSNR).

Random numbers are a fundamental resource in science and engineering, and are also widely used in many fields, such as simulation, cryptography, lotteries, fundamental science. There are algorithmically generated numbers that look like random numbers but are not truly random. These pseudo random numbers are generated from a computer, using deterministic algorithms. Because, we cannot use pseudo random generators in situations, where true randomness is necessary, we use true random number generators. In this case, we use unpredictable random events as a random source. Quantum random number generators (QRNG) output true random numbers based on inherent randomness in quantum measurements. Our goal is to generate fast random numbers at a lower cost. At the same time, a high level of randomness is essential. We present the improved novel quantum random number generator, which is based the on time of arrival QRNG. It is rather efficient, as it uses the simple version of the detectors with rather few requirements. The novel QRNG produces more than one random bit per each photon detection.

We present a cascaded chaotic system as a hardware-efficient way of elevating the entropy in the chaotic behavior of CMOS-based chaotic maps. The chaotic performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated using the bifurcation plot, Lyapunov exponent, Kolmogorov entropy, and correlation coefficient. The improved entropy in the chaotic region benefits many security applications and is demonstrated experimentally in a new random number generator (RNG) design based on the proposed map. Unlike conventional mathematical chaotic map-based digital pseudo-random number generators (PRNG), the proposed design is not completely deterministic due to the high susceptibility of the core analog circuit to inevitable noise which renders this design closer to a true random number generator (TRNG). By leveraging the improved chaotic performance of the transistor-level cascaded map, significantly low area and power overhead are achieved in the RNG design and it passes three statistical tests namely, NIST, Diehard, and TestU01.

Random number generators (RNG) are a fundamental hardware component in modern cryptographic systems [1]. The generation of random numbers can be subdivided into two classes, pseudo-RNGs and hardware RNGs. In pseudo-RNGs software algorithms are implemented on deterministic hardware but are dependent on a set of initial values or “seed”, which reduces the security. In contrast, hardware RNGs generate random numbers from a naturally occurring physical phenomenon, such as thermal noise. However, implementations often suffer from large silicon footprints due to the need to create resistor-amplifier-ADC chains [2] or bias removal circuits [3]. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a compact and scalable 1T1R based RNG by harnessing the inherent stochasticity in the insulator-to-metal phase transition (IMT) in vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ).

Image steganography conceals secret information in a cover image .It is used for secure data transfer. Various LSB (least significant bits) approaches have been used over the years in steganography. This paper proposes a novel technique to improve the conventional LSB technique for image steganography by using pseudo random number generation using Henon chaotic map. The random numbers are used to encrypt the hide image which is embedded in the cover picture. This encryption using pseudo random generator provides sufficient security to the payload as the same set of random numbers cannot be regenerated without knowing the exact random generator function and thus the secret data cannot be retrieved easily. The proposed technique has been tested successfully on various .jpg files and corresponding PSNR values have been calculated.

We demonstrate a 6 Gbps real-time optical quantum random number generator by measuring vacuum fluctuation. To address the common problem that speed gap exists between fast randomness generation and slow randomness extraction in most high-speed real-time quantum random number generator systems, we present an optimized extraction algorithm based on parallel implementation of Toeplitz hashing to reduce the influence of classical noise due to the imperfection of devices. Notably, the real-time rate of randomness extraction we have achieved reaches the highest speed of 12 Gbps by occupying less computing resources, and the algorithm has the ability to support hundreds of Gbps randomness extraction. By assuming that the eavesdropper with complete knowledge of the classical noise, our generator has a randomness generation speed of 6.83 Gbps and this supports the generation of 6 Gbps information-theoretically provable quantum random numbers, which are output in real-time through peripheral component interconnect express interface.