Cea-Leti, a growing tech company, has officially launched OpenTRNG. This is an open-source true random number generator that is going to be used to create physical TRN, using a ring oscillator. The aim is to target industry researchers, with the toolkit including everything from emulation tools to analytical tools and reference designs.
Random Number Generators and Their Diverse Applications
Random number generators have a lot of uses. TRNGs produce completely random numbers, making them suited to a range of applications, from cryptocurrency to casino games. The Treznor hardware wallet, for example, uses HRNG to generate seeds. A TRNG is then built into the STM32 microcontroller, using electronic noise to generate a random number. The wallet then converts the numbers into a BIP39-compliant seed. As for casino games, such as the Spin Till You Win roulette at Betfair, random number generators are used to determine the result of the wheel. In roulette, there are typically 37, or 38 possible outcomes, depending on whether you’re playing American roulette or European roulette. When using an RNG, it’s possible to generate a result within this range, for each spin. Using true randomness ensures the game is fair, and that the outcome cannot be predicted, emulating that of a traditional casino roulette wheel.
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Encryption Algorithms and Signatures
Randomness is essential in simulations, scientific research and even data analysis. The launch of this project times very well, as the EU are set to release an update to the current requirements for TRNG security certification. OpenTRNG is going to be supporting the development of new TRNGs that are compatible with the new certification. OpenTRNG is essentially a framework that provides the tools developers need to create a product. This could be to help researchers test new structures, or it could be a new approach for physical noise sources. In the field of tech security, you also have open standards and proprietary solutions. Open standards are the better option as they can be validated by an international expert. As this project is open to contributions and outside validation, it’s certainly got a lot of potential.
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CEA-Leti, who have collaborated with tech giants like Intel in the past, have now created the framework for this and made it available to multiple industries. This could pave the way for some new and interesting developments. The initiative has been approved by the French Directorate General of Armaments or the DGA. They welcome external contributors, which offers many benefits in itself. Making it open-source means that developers and researchers can all contribute to its improvement, not to mention that it allows audits to be done to pinpoint security vulnerabilities.
With the use of TRNG increasing all the time, it’s safe to say that this kind of investment can only be a good thing. As time goes on, random number generators are going to become more advanced, and the use of them is going to become more diverse. With cryptocurrency and security becoming increasingly reliant on them, it’s safe to say that open-source projects like this are the best way to move the sector forward. As more people can contribute, the TRNG will become more efficient, and usable across more applications, which is only a good thing when you consider the current demand for them.
