On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 05:04:55PM +1200, Lawrence D'Oliveiro wrote:
SK Telecom has created a “quantum random number generator” chip <https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/07/26/sk_telecom_makes_light_of_random_numbers_for_iot_applications/>. Seems like slapping the label “quantum” on anything is enough to make people believe you know what you are talking about.
Random-number generators are notorious for being easily subverted. And hearing things like “SK Telecom hasn't specified what kind [of quantum noise source they are using]” is not exactly reassuring.
You can never be sure your random numbers are truly random.
What is "truly random" when pseudo random number generators can pass all statistical tests for randomness? If there is no known test for distinguishing "truly random" from a known deterministic process that generates a sequence of numbers that passes the tests for randomness, then how can we claim that "truly random" actually exists? Cheers Michael.