What is the term for a method of generating random values by sampling physical phenomena with high entropy?

What is the term for a method of generating random values by sampling physical phenomena with high entropy?

• A. True random number generator (TRNG)
• B. Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
• C. Hardware Security Module (HSM)
• D. Application Programming Interface (API)

Answer: (A)

Generating random values from unpredictable physical processes with high entropy is called true random number generation. This approach measures inherent noise and other physical phenomena—like electronic thermal noise or other quantum/physical jitter—to produce random bits. Because the source is fundamentally unpredictable, the output cannot be predicted or reproduced by an algorithm, unlike pseudo-random number generators that rely on deterministic computations and a seed. Some hardware platforms may include RNG components, but their primary purpose is broader cryptographic support, not the definition of randomness itself. An API is simply an interface for software to use, not a source of entropy.

Generating random values from unpredictable physical processes with high entropy is called true random number generation. This approach measures inherent noise and other physical phenomena—like electronic thermal noise or other quantum/physical jitter—to produce random bits. Because the source is fundamentally unpredictable, the output cannot be predicted or reproduced by an algorithm, unlike pseudo-random number generators that rely on deterministic computations and a seed. Some hardware platforms may include RNG components, but their primary purpose is broader cryptographic support, not the definition of randomness itself. An API is simply an interface for software to use, not a source of entropy.