The security of transmission and retrieval depends on the encryption of information sent over public networks. At present, approaches to data protection based on cryptography methods using one-way mathematical functions are widely used. Symmetric and asymmetric methods of key transmission over open communication channels have been developed. The stability of information protection methods using one-way mathematical functions is based on the algorithmic complexity of their hacking for modern computers. The emergence of quantum computers of sufficient power will radically change the situation. Therefore, at present, the question of developing methods for distributing cryptographic keys based on new principles is acute. Such methods include quantum cryptography and cryptography based on stochastic physical processes. In this work, a brief review of the key generation methods based on the principles of quantum physics is carried out, and then the possibility of using fluctuations of the received radiation power caused by atmospheric turbulence to generate keys is investigated. Numerical and experimental modeling of the process of wave propagation in a system of two coupled transceivers operating in a turbulent medium (atmosphere) has been performed. For this purpose, appropriate algorithms for numerical simulation of the characteristics of optical fields distorted by the atmospheric propagation channel have been developed. An experimental setup has been developed and a model experimental study of the formation of correlated random signals in transmit-receive laser systems has been carried out. The need to use low-frequency filtering of the received signals was found. The efficiency of this filtration has been studied. The results of the work allow us to conclude that the use of atmospheric turbulence as a random signal generator makes it possible to form an almost identical cryptographic key in two communication channels directed towards each other.