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LavaRnd: A Open Source Project for Truly Random Numbers

Posted by Hemos on from the 1231232-hash-uyiuyiu1q2123 dept.

Phil Windley writes "Truly random numbers are crucial to good encryption. Most people have heard of Silicon Graphic's use of Lava Lamps to generate random numbers. There were some problems: it required special SGI hardware and software along with six lava lamps, and the solution wasn't portable. But the biggest drawback was that SGI patented the idea so it wasn't freely available. Now, some of the scientists behind the SGI random number system have create LavaRnd, an open source project for creating truly random numbers using inexpensive cameras, open source code, and inexpensive hardware. The system uses a saturated CCD in a light-tight can as a chaotic source to produce the seed. Software processes the result into truly random numbers in a variety of formats. The result is a random number that is crytographically sound, ranking at the top of its class in the NIST 800-22 Billion bit test. Its even portable, so the truly paranoid can take it with them when they travel."

2 of 549 comments (clear)

  1. other semiconductors by fortunatus · · Score: 5, Interesting

    audio circuits often use diode junctions in reverse-breakdown mode as a source of "white noise". couldn't we computer folks do the same? seems a similar idea to the the dark CCD technique.

  2. what about audio output? by mbreitba · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I had a friend that 5 or 6 years ago used the "white noise" from his SB 16 to generate random numbers. Wouldn't this be much more portable than a lava lamp? -Matt