NIST has initiated a review process for its NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-22 Rev. 1a, a statistical test suite for assessing cryptographic random number generators. The review aims to evaluate the publication’s relevance and effectiveness in its current form.
In January 2022, NIST proposed revising SP 800-22 Rev. 1a based on public comments received. The proposed revisions include clarifying the purpose and use of the test suite, rejecting its use for assessing cryptographic random number generators, and aligning terminology with the NIST SP 800-90 series.
NIST has since decided to revise SP 800-22 Rev. 1a further, incorporating technical suggestions such as incorporating new research results, considering two-level testing, and supporting shorter sequences. The revised publication will also improve the software tool and enhance the editorial quality of the document.
The revised SP 800-22 will follow the typical process of posting a draft for public comment. NIST plans to include an emphasis on stochastic models in later revisions of the SP 800-90 series. To stay updated on the progress of revising SP 800-22, individuals can monitor CSRC News and CSRC Publications or subscribe to email updates.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2022/04/decision-revise-nist-sp-800-22-rev-1a
Keywords: random number generators, statistical test suite, cryptographic applications, stochastic models, NIST
