1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910695299803321

Autore

Rukhin Andrew L

Titolo

A statistical test suite for random and pseudorandom number generators for cryptographic applications [[electronic resource] /] / Andrew Rukhin ... [and others]

Pubbl/distr/stampa

[Gaithersburg, MD] : , : [U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Technology Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology], , [2001]

Edizione

[Rev.]

Descrizione fisica

xi, 153 pages : digital, PDF file

Collana

NIST special publication ; ; 800-22

Altri autori (Persone)

RukhinAndrew L

BasshamLawrence E

Soggetti

Random number generators

Statistical hypothesis testing

Computer security

Data encryption (Computer science)

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Title from title screen (viewed on July 24, 2006).

"With revisions dated May 15, 2001."

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references (page G-1).

Sommario/riassunto

This paper discusses some aspects of selecting and testing random and pseudorandom number generators. The outputs of such generators may be used in many cryptographic applications, such as the generation of key material. Generators suitable for use in cryptographic applications may need to meet stronger requirements than for other applications. In particular, their outputs must be unpredictable in the absence of knowledge of the inputs. Some criteria for characterizing and selecting appropriate generators are discussed in this document. The subject of statistical testing and its relation to cryptanalysis is also discussed, and some recommended statistical tests are provided. These tests may be useful as a first step in determining whether or not a generator is suitable for a particular cryptographic application. However, no set of statistical tests can absolutely certify a generator as appropriate for usage in a particular application, i.e., statistical testing



cannot serve as a substitute for cryptanalysis. The design and cryptanalysis of generators is outside the scope of this paper.