Secure and Efficient Hybrid Random Number Generator Based on Sponge Constructions for Cryptographic Applications

Abstract

Random numbers constitute the most important part of many applications and have a vital importance in the security of these applications, especially in cryptography. Therefore, there is a need for secure random numbers to provide their security. This study is concerned with the development of a secure and efficient random number generator that is primarily intended for cryptographic applications. The generator consists of two subsystems. The first is algorithmic structure, Keccak, which is the latest standard for hash functions. The structure provides to generate secure random numbers. The second is additional input that generates with ring oscillators that are implemented on the FPGA. The additional inputs prevent reproduction and prediction of the subsequent random numbers. It is shown that the proposed generator is satisfies security requirements for cryptographic applications. In addition, NIST 800-22 test suite and autocorrelation test are used to demonstrate that generated random numbers have no statistical weaknesses and relationship among itself, respectively. Successful results from these tests show that generated numbers have no statistical weaknesses. Moreover, important advantage of the proposed generator is that it is more efficient than existing RNGs in the literature.