Computers have a problem with the randomness is in their nature. Since they are designed to work logically and predictably, any attempt to obtain a truly random number places them in a very uncomfortable situation. That brings us to the field of random number generators, which use as a “source” for those numbers a physical attribute or an environmental characteristic that is impossible to model. The Random.org portal gives us free access to one of those generators.
At the end of 2017 we shared an article about the lava lamp wall that the Cloudflare people maintain as a random number generator. Its main sources are radioactive pieces and chaotic pendulums, but many users were left speechless when they learned that a substantial part of web traffic could be protected by the movement of those lamps.
There are also programs that use the user himself as a random generator. For example, the password manager KeePass has an “additional entropy” option in which we must move the mouse and hit the keyboard erratically to create stronger passwords. But what if we need random numbers for other tasks? The first thing is to visit the Random.org portal.
Random.org: Online Random Number Generator
At first glance, the site doesn't tell us much. On the right we find a generator that works with minimum and maximum numbers, but it's its secondary functions that make this page shine. We can choose numbers for lotteries (or create our own format if it doesn't exist), roll up to 60 virtual dice, draw dozens of cards, generate integers, decimals, alphanumeric strings, dates, times, passwords, hex code, and much more.
Now, where does all that randomness come from? The people behind Random.org explain that their main source is atmospheric noise, far superior from a practical point of view to any pseudo-random alternative on a local computer. Of course, that doesn't make it a perfect solution, but if we also decide to combine the generated values, we can obtain especially complex strings that are resistant to brute force.
In summary, Random.org is probably the most popular random number generator site on the web. However, it's not the only one available, and you are definitely invited to find out more about the topic. Who knows? Maybe all this will help you improve your passwords, or why not, to get some lottery tickets...
Official site: Click here
