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Bridging the Gap Between Standards on Random Number Generation: NIST releases IR 8446

NIST has published the final version of Interagency Report (IR) 8446, which compares Germany’s BSI AIS 20/31 and NIST’s SP 800-90 series.

Bridging the Gap Between Standards on Random Number Generation: NIST releases IR 8446

Cryptographic systems rely on high-quality random number generation, and implementers often need to interpret and apply multiple standards and guidelines. NIST has published the final version of Interagency Report (IR) 8446, Bridging the Gap Between Standards on Random Number Generation: Comparison of SP 800-90 Series and AIS 20/31, which compares Germany’s BSI AIS 20/31 and NIST’s SP 800-90 series to help clarify similarities and differences in terminology, assumptions, and requirements. The report aims to improve communication among stakeholders, promote shared understanding, and reduce or resolve inconsistencies in related standards.

Additional information is available on the CSRC Random Bit Generation project page.

Released January 29, 2026
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