Generating True Random Numbers, Has the Holy Grail Been Found?
Random numbers for the quantum computing world, has Crypta Labs really cracked it?
In brief…
+ The current state of the art in random number generation uses ring oscillators that can theoretically generate random numbers by processing the clock jitter of the electronics.
“Worryingly, even the most advanced techniques don’t use genuine random numbers.”
+ Random numbers are essential for security. If identification numbers are not generated randomly, then once hackers have managed to work out one number, maybe via a phishing attack, or some other nefarious means, then, equipped with sufficient computer power, they can work out future numbers that might be used for security purposes. If the number is truly random — then that represents a major hurdle for the so called bad guys. As the era of quantum computers dawns, maybe during the course of the next decade, then the most complex mechanism for generating numbers will be vulnerable.
+ “We believe that there is only one true way to generate a random number and that’s from a quantum source. It’s been proven already. Over and over again it has been shown that even this ring mechanism is not secure,” says Luong. The Crypta Labs solution instead processes light, using technology that comes with an Android phone, or a digital camera. The light is converted into a number — a truly random number.
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