rtl2832_entropyd is a program that is designed to feed entropy into the linux /dev/random kernel entropy pool. It automatically forks and runs as a daemon, unless one of the testing options, -o or -t, are selected. Then it never forks.

To use it, you need an rtl2832 USB dongle. They are relatively cheap (< $10 on ebay), and are actually used to listen to a broad range of radio transmissions. This application exploits the radio noise in the atmosphere to extract entropy. The kernel already has a module to use the rtl2832 for its intended purpose, listening to radio, so if you want to use it to generate entropy, you will have to blacklist that module, so it doesn't load. If it is loaded, this program will not be able to acquire the rtl2832 device, and won't run. Create the file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-dvb_usb_rtl28xxu.conf with the line blacklist dvb_usb_rtl28xxu in it.

The project website is an html version of the man page, so you can find more complete information there.

Project Activity

See All Activity >

License

GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPLv3)

Follow rtl2832-entropyd

rtl2832-entropyd Web Site

Other Useful Business Software
Gen AI apps are built with MongoDB Atlas Icon
Gen AI apps are built with MongoDB Atlas

The database for AI-powered applications.

MongoDB Atlas is the developer-friendly database used to build, scale, and run gen AI and LLM-powered apps—without needing a separate vector database. Atlas offers built-in vector search, global availability across 115+ regions, and flexible document modeling. Start building AI apps faster, all in one place.
Start Free
Rate This Project
Login To Rate This Project

User Reviews

Be the first to post a review of rtl2832-entropyd!

Additional Project Details

Operating Systems

Linux

Languages

English

Intended Audience

Advanced End Users, End Users/Desktop, Security, System Administrators

User Interface

Command-line, Console/Terminal, Non-interactive (Daemon)

Programming Language

C

Related Categories

C Security Software, C Cryptography Software, C Operating System Kernels

Registered

2015-08-06