Pseudorandom number generators for mobile devices: an examination and attempt to improve randomness
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Authors
Larsson, Ola
Subjects
Pseudorandom number generator
PRNG
Random number
Random bit
Self-shrinking generator
SSG
Encryption
Mobile device
Android
PRNG
Random number
Random bit
Self-shrinking generator
SSG
Encryption
Mobile device
Android
Advisors
Stanica, Pantelimon
Peterson, Zachary
Date of Issue
2013-09
Date
Sep-13
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis examines the quality of pseudorandom number generation for cryptographic purposes in general and the generation of such numbers in a mobile device (Android phone), in particular, since we expected to find non-random properties in these. Initially, the need for random numbers for encryption purposes is discussed from a perspective of Information Warfare. Thereafter, ways of testing a bit string for random properties as well as some pseudorandom number generating algorithms are presented. This also includes the shrinking and the self-shrinking generator normally used to improve the random properties of the output m-sequence of linear feedback shift registers. A couple of possible attacks on pseudorandom number generators are also briefly presented. Finally, we generate and analyze some pseudorandom bit strings in three different ways using the NIST test suite, both before and after the self-shrinking generator has been applied to them. The strings generated by the Android phone passed the NIST test suite, and it is difficult to claim any improvement in random properties by applying the self-shrinking generator. On a bit string with poor random properties, however, the self-shrinking generator improves randomness from the perspective of linear dependency and complexity, but not from the perspective of bit frequency.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Information Sciences (IS)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.