Five Tech Industries Using RNG Technology
In the palm of your hand, lies the ability to pay bills, message your doctor, scan work documents, and get directions to your morning meeting. Computers and mobile phones are loaded with apps and information that allow for multi-tasking and efficiency in modern day life. All of this happens safely and securely, thanks to a Random Number Generator.
Perhaps you’ve never heard of the term ‘Random Number Generator’ (or RNG for short). Or, if you have, chances are you’ve come across it in passing, before registering at some online casino, whilst reading various reviews and skimming through the frequently used jargon. But did you know there’s an entire science behind RNG and how it’s applied? And did you know it’s a process used in various different tech-related industries?
What is a Random Number Generator?
A True Random Number Generator, or TRNG, generates random numbers based on physical phenomenon. In its simplest form, it is the roll of the dice or the flip of a coin. Whilst these methods are effective, their speed can’t keep up with the fast pace needs of the high-tech world. Technology industries use naturally occurring random events such as radio waves from space or the rate of radioactive decay for its TRNG systems.
Pseudo Random Number Generators, or PRNGs, are based on computer algorithms. This is considered a weaker form of RNG, as it is impossible for a computer to create anything 100% random. Another computer could potentially decipher the algorithm and predict outcomes. PRNG is still a reliable and cost-effective tool used in industries such as information technology and statistics.
Quantum Random Number Generators, QRNG, use quantum physics to generate random numbers. This methodology is the most secure form of RNG technology. Technological advances such as quantum computing could outperform current traditional TRNG programming. In anticipation, it is likely that this more secure form of RNG will become the gold standard in security industries.
Industries that Use RNGs
Let’s take a look at five common industries that use RNG and how it’s applied:
1. Telecommunications
Telecommunication transports voice, data, radio and television across distances using electronic transmission. Massive amounts of personal and business information are constantly shared through telecommunication channels. This data must be protected from hackers and cyber-criminals looking to steal financial and personal information.
The encryption used to protect this data is dependent upon RNG. Information is secured by a computer algorithm using a completely random sequence of numbers. These numbers must be fully secured and completely impossible to predict. With the advent of quantum computing, traditional TRNG systems will likely become vulnerable. The highest level of QRNG technology may become the tool of choice for encryption in the telecommunication industry.
2. Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a digital cash system regulated by peers rather than a central government authority. It is not subject to government regulations or government protection. Each coin is an encrypted string of data that represents one unit of money. A TRNG is necessary to secure the currency which is backed by peer to peer monitoring in place of government regulation.
3. Information Technology
In the fields of engineering, environmental sciences, aviation and more, information technology is used to predict outcomes and plan for the future. It brings together multiple disciplines and looks at how they influence one another. Nature is erratic. This uncertainty must be accounted for. In the science of information technology, PRNG is utilized in computer simulation to account for the unexpected and unpredictable.
4. Medical Research and Statistics
RNG is not only required to encrypt and secure our private medical information, it is also the basis of the science and statistics behind medical research. A good clinical trial must be free from human bias in order to see true effectiveness of a drug or treatment protocol. RNG is used to randomly assign subjects to medical trials to prevent researcher bias influencing study results.
5. Banking
According to CNBC, Americans lost 5.8 billion dollars to fraud in the year 2021. 1.5 million dollars was lost to identity theft alone. With banking and financial institutions as the number one target for hackers, it is crucial that on-line banking have the highest level of security and encryption. TRNG and QRNG provides the unpredictability and security required for the industry.
Our fast paced-multi tasking lifestyle is dependent on high tech solutions. Banking, medical records and work files require high level encryption to safeguard our privacy. Medical science, information technology and currency platforms all require aspects of randomness, to ensure reduction of bias, reliability and security. All of this is made possible through the use of RNG.
