Random values can be very beneficial in systems needing to generate random number or encryption keys. Systems and methods are presented herein that can generate a random value based on errors in data. For example, an error vector can be generated when data having errors (e.g. stored data, data received by a receiver, etc.) is compared with corresponding corrected data. A circuit, such as a data channel, can generate the corrected data by applying error correcting codes to the data with errors. One or more error vectors may be used to produce a random value. In some cases, multiple error vectors can be combined to produce a random value.