How to increase the entropy pool without using a keyboard or mouse?

Solution Verified - Updated -

Issue

  • The system is reporting that there is not enough entropy in the pool for SSL connections and other security-related applications.
  • How can I increase the entropy pool without using a keyboard or mouse?
  • Does the command rngd -r /dev/urandom -o /dev/random really help to resolve the low entropy issue?
  • Is it recommended to replace /dev/random with /dev/urandom in RHEL?
  • Is it advisable to change /dev/random to a softlink to /dev/urandom?

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • rng-tools (RHEL 6 and above)
  • rng-utils (RHEL 5)
  • kernel-utils (RHEL 4)

Subscriber exclusive content

A Red Hat subscription provides unlimited access to our knowledgebase, tools, and much more.

Current Customers and Partners

Log in for full access

Log In

New to Red Hat?

Learn more about Red Hat subscriptions

Using a Red Hat product through a public cloud?

How to access this content