+The auxiliary random data should be set to fresh randomness generated at signing time, resulting in what is called a ''synthetic nonce''. Using 32 bytes of randomness is optimal. If obtaining randomness is expensive, 16 random bytes can be padded with 16 null bytes to obtain a 32-byte array. If randomness is not available at all at signing time, a simple counter wide enough to not repeat in practice (e.g., 64 bits or wider) and padded with null bytes to a 32 byte-array can be used, or even the constant array with 32 null bytes. Using any non-repeating value increases protection against [https://moderncrypto.org/mail-archive/curves/2017/000925.html fault injection attacks]. Using unpredictable randomness additionally increases protection against other side-channel attacks, and is '''recommended whenever available'''. Note that while this means the resulting nonce is not deterministic, the randomness is only supplemental to security. The normal security properties (excluding side-channel attacks) do not depend on the quality of the signing-time RNG.
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