Quantum Randomness Beacons

Imagine encryption as the guardian of a secret vault, and at its core lies the enigmatic force of randomness. It's the magic ingredient that creates cryptographic keys, the keys that stand between your sensitive data and the prying eyes of the digital world. Now, here's where it gets interesting.

Meet the traditional random number generators: the TRNGs, which dance to the tune of physical processes, and the PRNGs, which are more like math wizards weaving algorithms. Sounds reliable, right? Well, not entirely. TRNGs can be a bit like a sensitive artist, easily swayed by environmental disturbances or sneak attacks. On the other hand, PRNGs might seem like they've got it all figured out with their mathematical prowess, but the catch is they're often tied to their starting point, making them a bit predictable for the tech-savvy adversaries out there.

It's a bit like having a lock that's fantastic until someone figures out the secret handshake. So, what's the solution? well quantum mechanics looks promising, where randomness becomes an uncrackable code. Quantum systems bring a whole new level of security, offering a kind of randomness that's not swayed by external forces or limited by mathematical patterns. It's like having a vault with a combination that only the universe knows, making it a tough nut to crack for anyone trying to sneak a peek.

So, come along as we explore the practical side of quantum randomness in the world of encryption. It's not a sci-fi movie; it's a real-world solution to keeping your data safe from prying eyes and cyber threats. Quantum randomness like the dependable friend who always has your back, no drama required. Let's dive in and demystify the science behind it.

Nature of Quantum Random Generators

In the beginning, pseudo random number generators took center stage, relying on computer algorithms to cook up what seemed like randomness. However, as the name implies, they were only pseudo random, leaving them susceptible to bias and brute force attacks—definitely not ideal for high-security applications.

Then came the era of classical processes, where physical devices, fueled by phenomena like radioactive decay, were enlisted to produce random numbers. Sounds cool, right? Well, here's the catch. These hardware-based generators faced limitations—think slow generation rates and vulnerability to direct attacks or physical wear and tear over time.

Fast forward to the last couple of decades, and enter the quantum mechanics maestros! Academics delved into the inherently random world of quantum processes to create true random number generators. What started in university labs has gradually tiptoed into the commercial limelight, setting the stage for a quantum revolution.

What makes QRNGs special?

QRNGs apart is their ability to derive randomness directly from quantum mechanics, providing a pure and abundant source of unpredictability. However, challenges remain due to imperfect measurement devices. To overcome this, recent advances in QRNG schemes have enabled public verification, self-testing, and device-independent quantum random number generation.

QRNGs work by manipulating photons in quantum systems, using techniques like measuring photon statistics, photon polarization, and laser pulse interference. When entanglement is involved, super-classical correlations enhance the randomness, and even certified randomness can be achieved.( See my previous post : A Gentle Introduction to Certified Randomness)

The key reasons why quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are superior to classical random number generators (RNGs):

• Quantum processes are, by nature, non-deterministic
• Higher random number generation speeds
• Live monitoring of the entropy source is possible and effective

Commercial QRNG products are already available Now! Let me introduce DISC™ : imagine a laser meets a beam splitter, and the photon faces a 50:50 chance of passing through or taking the upward route. Voila! True random numbers are born. DISC™ a protocol essence is tirelessly monitors the physical device, detecting and adjusting to real-time changes. Through this dynamic filtering process, DISC™ ensures that the random numbers produced by the quantum device exclusively originate from the quantum process itself.

This means users get a constant stream of true random numbers, thanks to the quantum magic, with the added assurance that any hiccups in the physical device won't compromise the randomness.

Well, for those who thought it's too early to get excited about Quantum Tech, now they can recognize vast potential of Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) which is becoming increasingly apparent. Once again, This technology holds the promise of significant advancements in security and efficiency across various fields. One of my fav, exciting real-time application emerged in 2020 within the realm of 5G technology. Companies like SK Telecom in South Korea and quantum solutions providers such as ID Quantique joined forces to leverage QRNGs, enhancing the security of 5G networks and quantum solutions. This collaboration marks a broader shift towards quantum-enhanced security, signaling a transformative wave across diverse technological landscapes. In a world where predictability poses a threat, QRNGs emerge as a crucial element for ensuring unpredictability, thereby fortifying the security and innovation of our digital age.

An Ambitious Randomness Beacon Launch

July 2018, NIST introduced the production instance of its everlasting randomness beacon. It emits 512-bit data strings every minute, each with a timestamp and cryptographic signature for precision and security. It's like an unending stream of digital unpredictability.

The NIST beacon,relies on a quantum-based random number generator. Imagine it as a sort of "quantum faucet" emitting photons at entirely random intervals. It's like trying to predict when a drop of water will escape from a narrow spigot. This quantum magic is then combined with the output from commercial random number generators, which rely on electronic circuit noise, adding even more unpredictability through mathematical wizardry.

Now, let's take a leap to Chile, a country known for its seismic activity. Here, their beacon taps into seismic data, a field abundant with unpredictability, given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes. But that's not all; it also uses Twitter feeds. Yes, you heard it right. Those long strings of concatenated tweets can be remarkably unpredictable, as you never quite know what people will say next. These lengthy tweet sequences undergo a cryptographic transformation, stripping away the language's inherent structure and giving birth to something profoundly random.

But the wonders of randomness don't stop there. These beacons can also draw on the collective unpredictability of individuals running entropy-producing programs on their laptops. Imagine contributing your own dash of randomness to the mix. And then there are the private companies, like Cloudflare, that add a touch of whimsy. They derive randomness from lava lamps, of all things. High-resolution photos of the swirling, chaotic patterns of lava lamps serve as a wellspring of unpredictability.

In this web of interconnected unpredictability, the world of quantum-based randomness is not only captivating but also deeply engaging. It's a symphony of quantum particles, seismic rumblings, and even Twitter musings, all orchestrated to create a harmonious cacophony of true unpredictability.

Quantum Random Beacon for Ethereum Blockchain

A Verifiable Delay Function (VDF) is a function that takes a certain amount of time to compute and is verifiable by others. It has applications in various cryptographic protocols, including Ethereum's proof-of-stake consensus algorithm and randomness generation for decentralized applications (dApps). Using a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) in the context of Ethereum and VDFs provides a potential solution to the problem of generating unpredictable randomness. Currently Ethereum use RANDAO:

In a RANDAO scheme, mixing is the process of combining the contributions; in our card metaphor mixing is shuffling the cards.

For Ethereum, we first hash the BLS signature and then we mix this has with the previous RANDAO value using an operation called xor.

Traditional pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) used in computer systems are deterministic, meaning that given the same seed, they will produce the same sequence of numbers. In contrast, a QRNG generates truly random numbers based on quantum properties, making it theoretically impossible to predict the next value in the sequence.A QRNG can be used as a component in the construction of a VDF. The idea is to design a function that takes a certain amount of time to compute, and the output of this function is generated using the QRNG. The delay in computation time makes it computationally expensive to produce the result, but easy for others to verify.

Each time a new block is created, RANDAO is updated with just a little more randomness. And so, through the trustless contribution of every proposing validator, we generate a sufficiently random value.

This value is now available to both Ethereum consensus and the EVM.

Practically speaking, if a dApp relies on true randomness, they are probably going to use a Verifiable Random Function (VRF) form an oracle like Chainlink. The true purpose of RANDAO is to provide randomness for consensus.

A protocol that is fully predictable is very vulnerable. An attacker could:

• DDoS a proposer or a committee to attempt to halt the chain

• bribe an upcoming proposer

• attempt to register advantageous validator number to try to gain control over a committee - etc

By incorporating quantum properties to ETH, the QRNG ensures a higher level of unpredictability compared to classical random number generators. This enhanced security is particularly crucial in applications like Ethereum, where randomness is used in various processes, such as selecting validators in proof-of-stake systems.

Another trick can be used in improving ETH economics. As may you know, many existing decentralized applications rely on verifiable random functions that may involve premium fees. Quantum-generated random numbers, cabn provide a cost-effective alternative, potentially lowering fees associated with premium services.

Last but not the least. The inherent resistance to man-in- middle attacks and collusion further strengthens the security of the system. Collusion among data providers or intermediaries could compromise the randomness generation process but it's possible mitigate with QRNG protocols already available.

Conclusion

In summary, the integration of a Quantum Randomness Beacon is essential for bolstering security and fairness, particularly in systems like Ethereum. The quantum-generated randomness ensures unbiased selection processes, addressing concerns of manipulation. Beyond the blockchain, this technology finds application in clinical trials, government audits, judicial assignments, quality procedures, and digital lotteries. Achieving generic goals, it enhances public verifiability and prevents biases in various selection processes, reinforcing trust and impartiality.