Random Data

Random data is a subset of variable data in which the next item generated in a data set is difficult to guess as it does not follow a predictable sequence. Random data is often used for identifiers in computer systems and for information security (passwords, HTTPS…). As a general rule, never build your own random number generator; its is very difficult to implement properly. Use an open source system that has been properly designed, implemented and tested.

Contents

Randomness

The randomness of data is characterized by the following attributes:

  • The length of the random data
  • The process used to generate the random number
  • In the case of random strings, the set characters available for use; numbers {1, 2, 3…}, alphabetic characters {A, b, C…} and special characters {%, &, …}

Random String Generation

The following websites are useful for generating lists of random strings which can be used for identifiers: