A New Nonlinear Pseudorandom Number Generator

During the next few years a new pseudorandom number generator will become available on many computer systems. A concern for the security of computer data has led to the adoption of a Data Encryption Standard (DES) by the National Bureau of Standards. This standard specifies a nonlinear cryptographic algorithm which can be used inter alia as a source of pseudorandom numbers in software applications, such as those involving order statistics, where the usual linear congruential and generalized feedback shift register generators seem to be inadequate. Results of testing the DES as a pseudorandom number generator indicate that the algorithm is more than satisfactory for this purpose.