Random generated numbers on computers are actually psuedo-random because they use some algorithm to determine the seed that starts the randomization process. Whether that seed is the current timestamp or some other attribute, it can make the number guessable and thus the encryption less secure.
Whitewood Encryption Systems Inc. have announced their new ‘Entropy Engine’ at the Black Hat 2015 conference. It is being unveiled for trial and evaluation with sales coming at the end of the third quarter.
The Entropy Engine employs quantum mechanics to solve the problem of entropy generation, the critical foundation to all cryptographic systems currently in use today. It is designed for applications that employ encryption, digital signing, PKI, crypto-currency and digital payments.
As a PCI-Express card, it uses the fast connection available to provide the random numbers to the system and takes advantage of the quantum computer in order to generate the numbers quickly.
The Entropy Engine exploits quantum mechanics to supply pure entropy in the form of random data at high speeds (200 Mbps), solving the problem of entropy generation that handicaps even the highest-performance cryptography systems currently in use today. At its core is a patent-pending quantum entropy source that generates random data based on the immutable laws of physics and is therefore immune from external influence by attackers.
You can learn more about the ‘Entropy Engine’ announcement from today’s press release and the Whitewood Encryption website.