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PinGen - a program for generating PIN numbers
PinGen is a program for generating 8 to 14 digit decimal PIN numbers using HG400 non-deterministic hardware generator.
PIN numbers are most often 14 digit decimal numbers and are used for unique labeling of various prepaid cards. To obtain maximal security, PIN numbers must satisfy several constraints:
- PIN numbers must be generated at random and equiprobably between the smallest and the largest value;
- PIN numbers must not be predictable;
- All PIN numbers for a given client (or a type of card) must be different, that is there must not be two cards labeled with the same PIN number.
Program PinGen satisfies all three requirements: PIN numbers are generated in a completely random way and their length may be chosen between 8 and 14 digits. An option regulates whether first or second most significant digit is restricted to the range 1-9, while all others may be in the range 0-9. Additional options allow to configure number of batches to be produced and whether the serial number should be produced for every PIN number.
Important difference between PinGen and other similar products is that PinGen uses a non-deterministic hardware random generator as a basis for production of PIN numbers. The bit generator produces a sequence of random bits which may be considered as being a result of a repeated throwing of an ideal coin with head representing "0" and tails representing "1". PIN numbers based upon a non deterministic hardware generator are completely random and unpredictable because they are a result of a true physical process whose outcome may not be predicted. As opposed to that, other products use pseudo-random generator which is actually a mathematical formula which introduces a danger that PIN numbers may be guessed or simply calculated if the formula gets known or stolen.
Program PinGen makes use of the Web technology. Thanks to that it may be run not only from a local computer where it is installed but also from any other computer that is connected to the local computer by means of a local area network or the Internet. This approach offers greater flexibility in card production. It also opens possibility to offer PIN numbers for sale on-line (over the Web) eliminating the need for any physical cards.
PinGen exists for following operating systems: MS WinXp and Linux.
Simple simulation of the PinGen program may be found here.
Please refer the curent version of the Users Manual
for more technical informatoion about the product.
Non deterministic hardware random generator HG324 used with the PinGen is protected by an international patent application. Additional information may be found
here.
Current version of PinGen:
Version 1.60 - 07. Dec 2005.
(C) Random, 2002-