Deterministic Random Bit Generator
A Deterministic Random Bit Generator (DRBG) is a cryptographic algorithm that produces a sequence of random-looking bits from an initial seed value, ensuring the output is predictable and reproducible given the same seed. It is used to generate pseudo-random numbers for security applications, such as encryption keys and digital signatures, where randomness must be verifiable and consistent. DRBGs are standardized by organizations like NIST to provide secure and reliable random number generation in systems.
Developers should learn and use DRBGs when building secure applications that require reproducible randomness, such as in cryptographic protocols, simulations, or testing environments where deterministic behavior is essential for debugging and verification. They are crucial for ensuring that random numbers used in encryption, authentication, or key generation can be reliably recreated for auditing or compliance purposes, unlike true random number generators that rely on physical entropy sources.