Method for Performing a Trustworthiness Test on a Random Number Generator

A method for performing a trustworthiness test on a random number generator (RNG) of a physical computing node, the trustworthiness test being implemented as a known answer test (KAT), the method comprising:

• receiving, in a physical unclonable function (PUF)-module of the RNG, an input based on test data (T) received from a verifier provided with at least one test data-test result pair (T, R);
• providing an output from the PUF-module;
• determining a test result (R′) based on the output from the PUF-module;
• and
• providing the test result (R′) to the verifier.

A random number generator (RNG) circuit comprising:

• a physical unclonable function (PUF)-module configured to:
• receive an input based on test data (T) received from a verifier provided with at least one test data-test result pair (T, R), and
• provide an output from the PUF-module;
• and
• a digital post-processing unit configured to:
• determine a test result (R′) based on the output from the PUF-module, and
• provide the test result (R′) to the verifier.

A method, performed by verifier circuitry, of determining trustworthiness of a random number generator (RNG) of a physical computing node, the method comprising:

• providing test data (T) to a physical unclonable function (PUF)-module of the RNG, wherein the test data (T) is part of a test data-test result pair (T, R);
• obtaining a test result (R′) from the RNG;
• and
• determining trustworthiness of the RNG based on a known answer test (KAT) involving the obtained test result (R′) and the test result (R) of the test data-test result pair.

A verifier configured to determine trustworthiness of a random number generator (RNG) of a physical computing node, the verifier comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• and
• a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, configure the verifier to:
• provide test data (T) to a physical unclonable function (PUF)-module of the RNG, wherein the test data (T) is part of a test data-test result pair (T, R);
• obtain a test result (R′) from the RNG;
• and
• determine trustworthiness of the RNG based on a known answer test (KAT) involving the obtained test result (R′) and the test result (R) of the test data-test result pair.