Despite being a mystery to us mere mortals, in the technological industries, Random Number Generators are impressive algorithms that produce random number sequences. Believe it or not, these algorithms that make sure numbers produced are totally random and unpredictable are incredibly useful across a range of industries and sectors.
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?
In this article, we’ll enlighten you about the process of the RNG by demonstrating how the algorithms are utilized across a range of industries and, in turn, highlighting the huge potential of this concept.
Cybersecurity
We live in a world governed by technology. We may take it for granted but let’s face it; we are all constantly plugged into our technological devices, be it a computer or smartphones. Although it’s easy to become complacent, every day, we transmit highly-sensitive personal data such as bank details online, making us all very vulnerable to the activities of unscrupulous actors such as hackers and cybercriminals.
When it comes to keeping our information safe, RNGs are an essential tool in security and data encryption. For instance, RNGS are used in the automatic generation of passwords offered by browsers when a person is registering on a website. Cybercriminals have become experts at working out standard passwords, so RNGs allow us to think more creatively.
If a site doesn’t have RNG technology installed for the formulation of passwords, you can visit a generator website that will automatically create a strong password for you that will keep you safe from malicious actors online.
Information Technology
One of the key sectors that have really benefitted from RNG is Information Technology. The computer sciences are a complex inter-connected network of areas that require randomization and unpredictability.
In some fields, such as computer programs, the incorporation of randomly generated number sequences enables a huge range of options for both developers and users. Although amortized searching, hash algorithms and sorting algorithms all used ‘weaker’ forms of RNG, computers are essentially deterministic devices that can’t generate randomness on their own, which is why RNG really is a godsend!
Scientific Research
Science is not about coincidences. To some scientists, the whole universe operates in RNG mode. In other words, to them, everything should basically be a string of randomly generated sequences of events.
With that being said, accepting total randomness isn’t human nature. This is why when scientists need to carry out an important study, they aren’t going to rely on the simple human brain to generate random numbers or data for the said study. Even a computer won’t suffice here – but an RNG that produces data that can pass a randomness test will.
RNG processes are critical in medical research, where clinical trials rely heavily on the use of randomization for producing objective and unpredictable results that are hard to tamper with. From implementing new strategies to designing clinical trials and testing out new drugs, RNG is hugely important in medicine and science.
Cryptocurrency
We all know the world of cryptocurrency is growing with increased levels of mainstream adoption. Again, RNGs have a significant role to play in the crypto world. When you are dealing with large sums of money, random number inputs are essential in the calculation of seed phrases, and wallet encryption keeps.
At the end of the day, if the original input numbers are predictable, then the resultant encryption keys can easily be derived. In turn, if wallet encryption keys can be hacked, then cryptocurrency could be stolen. Without formal security structures in place, cryptocurrency security is dependent on the randomness (and confidentiality) of the seed phrase to protect transactions.
Telecommunications
The world of communication, collaboration and the media is underpinned by extensive telecommunication networks. These channels service millions of organizations and billions of people each and every day.
Because RNG processes essentially provide a safe security solution by securing data in motion across various telecom networks, it is able to protect business interests and people from existing and emerging threats.
On a day to day level, if you consider the way we all use our mobile devices, turning them into a goldmine of financial health, business and personal information, it is evident how RNG can be used to upgrade the security on our smartphones too.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you believe in coincidence, the fact remains that there are many industries in the world that need randomness. Randomness ensures we can employ a degree of fairness and security in our operations across a range of sectors.
Due to its unpredictable sequence generation, RNG provides the world with greater fairness and safety. It guarantees unpredictability and maintains the security of each sequence generates. Believe it or not, it is used everywhere. In most cases, we aren’t even aware of it.
From science to art. From IT research and medical trials to the random quote of the day you see when you open your browser, randomness is not just useful, and it is absolutely necessary in terms of keeping us safe and accountable.