2019 IEEE 44th Conference on Local Computer Networks (LCN)
Abstract:
Random bit generator (RBG) is one of the most crucial part of cryptographic applications. In many systems,
due to unavailability of true randomness source(s), deterministic/pseudo-random bit generators (DRBG) are used to generate pseudo-random bit-strings. However, recent studies have shown that, if the seed used to initialise DRBGs is obtained from a source producing low entropy bits, it can lead to serious security incidents. Hence, identifying reliable and pervasive source of (true) randomness has been an active area of research. In
this work, we investigate the suitability of a ubiquitous source of randomness produced in a power grid’s electric network, called Electric Network Frequency (ENF), for building a noise source for RBGs. ENF fluctuates around its mean value due to unpredictable power grid system loads. We build a low cost ENF
recording device, and conduct extensive analysis of the captured dataset. Our results show that ENF exhibits good randomness properties and can be employed to build noise source for RBGs.