A Novel Pseudo-Random Number Generator Algorithm based on Entropy Source Epoch Timestamp

Abstract

Random numbers are important tools for generating secret keys, encrypting messages, or masking the content of certain protocols with a random sequence that can be deterministically generated. The lack of assurance about the random numbers generated can cause serious damage to cryptographic protocols, prompting vulnerabilities to be exploited by the attackers. In this paper, a new pseudo - random number generator algorithm that uses dynamic system clock converted to Epoch Timestamp as PRNG seed was developed. The algorithm uses a Linear Congruential Generator (LCG) algorithm that produces a sequence of pseudo - randomized numbers that performs mathematical operations to transform numbers that appears to be unrelated to the Seed. Simulation result shows that the new PRNG algorithm does not generate repeated random numbers based on the frequency of iteration, a good indicator that the key for random numbers is secured. Numerical analysis using NIST Test Suite results concerning to random sequences generated random numbers has a total average of 0.342 P-value. For a p-value ≥ 0.001, a sequence would be considered to be random with a confidence of 99.9%. This shows that robustness and unpredictability were achieved. Hence, It is highly deterministic in nature and has a good quality of Pseudo-Random Numbers. It is therefore a good source of a session key generation for encryption, reciprocal in the authentication schemes and other cryptographic algorithm parameters that improve and secure data from any type of security attack.