This is a python 3.6 and above implementation of the NIST Test Suite for Random Number Generators (RNGs). The idea behind this work is to make a script oriented object-oriented framework for said tests. This is born from my research since I required to use the tests inside a python research project and I found existing implementation to be not well suited to that task without extensive modifications.

The NIST reference paper can be found at SP800-22r1a.

This work is inspired by the great work of David Johnston (C) 2017, which can be found on github.

Features

• All the test in the NIST paper vectorized and optimized the best I could
• Class structure for each test allowing for easy debug and use, both in script and inside broader applications
• Utility functions to pack the sequence in 8-bits using numpy and to run the tests in multiple ways
• Cache system both at function level and at test level to improve performance
• Built-in measurement of time required to perform each test
• Default Test class and Result class to allow eventual extension to additional tests

License

BSD 3-Clause License

For additional information check the provided license file.

How to install

If you only need to use the framework, just download the pip package nistrng and import the package in your scripts:

• pip install nistrng

If you want to improve/modify/extends the framework, or even just try my own simple benchmarks at home, download or clone the git repository. You are welcome to open issues or participate in the project, especially if further optimization is achieved.

How to use

For a simple use case, refer to benchmark provided in the repository. For advanced use, refer to the built-in documentation and to the provided source code in the repository.

Current issues

Currently the slow speed of both the Serial and Approximate Entropy tests is an open issue. Any solution or improvement is welcome.

Can I help?

Yes, of course! This project is very side to me, so any help in reporting issues, fixing bugs, testing functionalities and overall improving it is welcome!

Changelog

v. 1.2.1:

• Improved safe-guard against eventual NaN values that may arise inside the score calculations
• Added unpack function to return to the original numeric integer value from a 8-bit binary sequence
• Some minor fixes and adjustments

v. 1.2.2:

• Fixed SP800_22R1A_BATTERY dictionary which was missing the cumulative sums test
• Fixed missing parenthesis on test_approximate_entropy.py
• Fixed bugs on some tests for very long sequences
• Some minor fixes and adjustments

v. 1.2.3:

• Fixed binary matrix rank test (credits to @scrambler-crypto)
• Fixed a frequencies computation bug (w.r.t. tickets) on the linear complexity test