Analysis of Entropy Sources for Random Number Generation Based on Mobile Devices

In the modern world of information technology, random number generation plays a key role in many areas. The article provides a review and analysis of the possibilities of using built-in sensors of mobile devices as sources of entropy for hardware true random number generators (TRNGs). This approach allows you to reduce the cost of creating generators while maintaining a sufficient level of randomness. The object of research is the process of generating random numbers using mobile device sensors as a source of entropy. Two main types of generators are shown: software pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs), which do not always meet the unpredictability criteria, and hardware true random number generators (TRNGs), which are based on physical noise sources. To ensure high generation quality, hardware TRNGs require an effective source of entropy. It is proposed to use sensors of mobile devices - accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometers, light sensors, etc. They are able to register changes in the external environment or position of the device and generate large amounts of data that can be used as an entropy source. A review of previous research on the use of mobile device sensors and IoT devices is carried out. The following requirements for sensors were formulated: sensitivity, the presence of a sensor in most mobile devices, the speed of data digitization, the number of bits received per measurement. A comparative analysis of the sensors according to the specified characteristics is carried out. According to the results of the comparison, the best indicators are provided by accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer sensors, which led to their selection for further use as sources of entropy in hardware random number generators.