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A Statistical Test Suite for Random and Pseudorandom Number Generators for Cryptographic Applications

Published

Author(s)

Elaine B. Barker

Abstract

Random and pseudorandom numbers are needed for many cryptographic applications. For example, common cryptosystems employ keys that must be generated in a random fashion. Many cryptographic protocols also require random or pseudorandom inputs at various points, e.g. for auxiliary quantities used in generating digital signatures, or for generating challenges in authentication protocols. NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-22, A Statistical Test Suite for Random and Pseudorandom Number Generators for Cryptographic Applications, discusses the randomness testing of random number and pseudorandom number generators (RNGs and PRNGs) that may be used for many purposes including cryptographic, modeling and simulation applications. The focus is on those applications where randomness is required for cryptographic purposes such as the generation of keying material. A set of statistical tests for randomness is described in this publication.
Citation
ITL Bulletin -

Keywords

cryptography, random number generation, statistical test suite

Citation

Barker, E. (2000), A Statistical Test Suite for Random and Pseudorandom Number Generators for Cryptographic Applications, ITL Bulletin, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=151231 (Accessed March 28, 2024)
Created December 20, 2000, Updated February 19, 2017