Linear Feedback Shift Registers: Pseudo-Random Number Generators and Their Use In Cryptosystems

Cryptology is the study and application of encrypting and decrypting data so that only the intended recipient and senders can view data. This is important in applications such as online banking and military operations. Linear Feedback Shift Registers, or LFSRs for short, create a pseudo-random number stream that is computationally efficient. LFSRs are used (in conjunction with other methods) to encrypt items such as DVD’s and many wireless signals, including digital TV and radio. Using random methods, a seed value can be created to create a strong random number stream.