Using a PC camera to generate cryptographically strong random numbers

College

College of Computer Studies

Department/Unit

Information Technology

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source Title

Proceedings of the 2008 International Conference on Security and Management, SAM 2008

First Page

22

Last Page

27

Publication Date

12-1-2008

Abstract

Random quantities such as passwords and cryptographic keys are extensively used in computer security systems. Algorithmic methods can be used to generate pseudorandom quantities but other methods are preferred to ensure cryptographic strength. This paper presents a method for generating random bits from images or snapshots obtained using a low-quality PC camera. The color information is mixed with clock information to generate bit streams, which are then subjected to a hashing process using SHA-1. Results from using the NIST statistical test suite for randomness show that the random bit generator produces cryptographically strong random bits.

html

Disciplines

Computer Sciences | Information Security

Keywords

Random number generators; Computer security

Upload File

wf_no

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS