Entropy Source

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Abbreviation(s) and Synonym(s):

None

Definition(s):

  A physical source of information whose output either appears to be random in itself or by applying some filtering/distillation process. This output is used as input to either a RNG or PRNG.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-22 Rev. 1a

  A combination of a noise source (e.g., thermal noise or hard drive seek times), health tests, and an optional conditioning component. The entropy source produces random bitstrings to be used by an RBG.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-90A Rev. 1

  The combination of a noise source, health tests, and an optional conditioning component that produce random bitstrings to be used by an RBG.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-90B under Entropy source

Glossary Comments

Comments about specific definitions should be sent to the authors of the linked Source publication. For NIST publications, an email is usually found within the document.

Comments about the glossary's presentation and functionality should be sent to secglossary@nist.gov.

See NISTIR 7298 Rev. 3 for additional details.

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Entropy Source

Glossary Comments