True Random Number Generation Based on Environmental Noise Measurements for Military Applications

True random number generators can significantly contribute to the development of high security cryptographic schemes, such as those required for use in military applications. This article presents some the results of an innovative method for the generation of truly random number sequences, based on environmental noise measurements. The statistical properties of different noise types have been studied. Based on this study, an efficient random number generator has been developed that uses signals from the built in microphone that is ubiquitous most current personal computers and other personal information processing systems. Statistical measures have been determined that measure the randomness qualities of the output sequence. These measures have been studied for different input noise properties. The merit of the proposed generator in terms of the rate at which random numbers are produced has also been assessed. Key-Words: True Random Number Generation, Cryptography, Information Security.