Elliptic curve random number generation

Abstract

A random number generator based on the addition of the points on an elliptic curve over finite fields is proposed. By using the proposed generator together with an elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) system, we can save hardware and software components. Since the proposed random number generator is based on the core operation of ECC, it can be designed and implemented efficiently using existing components. The period of the bit sequences is analyzed theoretically. Moreover, sequences produced by this generator have passed the FIPS 140-2 statistical tests of the cryptographic standards and validation programs at NIST. As a result, the proposed generator is found suitable to be a random number generator.