Different entropy source

[Knogle]

Ahoy.
/dev/urandom has been the default entropy source since DBAN i guess.
It would be easy to implement another one, selectable in options through 'e' key.
RDSEED and RDRAND should be feasible ways to go in order to provide 'real' entropy.
Is this a good idea, or what do you guys think?

[PartialVolume]

I don't see any issues adding that. Although I do wonder if all these extra options just confuse those that are new to wiping discs. Unless we provide some help regarding which might be better. I think it's accepted knowledge that even a zero's wipe on a spinning disc is adequate so having multiple prngs and entropy sources is nice but is it necessary on a modern drive.

Personally I'm happy if you add these but I don't know how the other guys feel about this? More is better or keep it simple?

[Knogle]

I agree! It doesn't have any specific use, it's just "nice to have". Because /dev/urandom is technically already a crypto-secure algorithm, and more recent kernels use RDRAND as well for it.

[Firminator]

An option to change entropy would be fine as long as there is a brief description of pros and cons using a different entropy source for end-users so that it's possible to make an informed decision depending of each user or business' use case for wiping drives. Although it's borderline featuritis and like PartialVolume said KISS is paramount and where the nwipe/ShredOS shines over other tools.