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Bridging the Gap between Standards on Random Number Generation: Comparison of SP 800-90 Series and AIS 20/31 | Draft IR 8446 is Available for Public Comment

The initial public draft (ipd) of NIST Interagency Report (IR) 8446, Bridging the Gap between Standards on Random Number Generation: Comparison of SP 800-90 Series and AIS 20/31, is now available for public comment through December 20, 2024.

The initial public draft (ipd) of NIST Interagency Report (IR) 8446, Bridging the Gap between Standards on Random Number Generation: Comparison of SP 800-90 Series and AIS 20/31, is now available for public comment.

This report studies the cryptographic random number generation standards and guidelines written by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and NIST, namely AIS 20/31 and the NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-90 series. It compares these publications, focusing on the similarities and differences in their terminology, assumptions, and requirements. The report also aims to improve communications between all involved parties, promote a shared understanding, and reduce and resolve inconsistencies in related standards.

The public comment period is open through December 20, 2024. See the publication details for a copy of the draft; comments can be submitted to rbg_comments [at] nist.gov. Comments received in response to this request will be posted on the NIST website after the due date.

Released September 16, 2024