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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."

4 of 549 comments (clear)

  1. lava random by Gorbaw · · Score: 0, Troll

    Yes, and Microsoft allready planned, to build Lava Lamps into Fritz-chips.

  2. Re:Incredible! by Rudeboy777 · · Score: 1, Troll

    I bet you give great helmet!

    --

    From hell's heart I fstab at /dev/hdc

  3. And the random number is! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    29874785987457298479858450458742087405074524587040 52054087407208750240874587420407505028704585852508 72580748705087408728745875408724782478499752542708 54207853587452972205487487594525404578587647895279 85766456576584586438594579357639457494943879774843 87478478385863698384497438759394367494935930303208 87304035093045008744949549743456744674859329205072 05075277597497578479854875478584504583493489349705 73059370597359289574093895708345734993857408730785 47858972987459858748754

  4. In Soviet Russia by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Beowolf clusters of lava lamps generate YOU.