U.S. Air Force, Viasat Prepare to Deploy Small Form Factor Cryptographic High Value Product for Encrypted Communications
CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force, in partnership with Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, announced the successful completion of its production readiness review (PRR) on the Mini Crypto program for the development of an embeddable cryptographic security/data module for military handheld devices and unmanned systems that communicates sensitive and classified data. By passing PRR, the U.S. Air Force and Viasat will proceed into Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). The Viasat Mini Crypto module will enable U.S. Air Force and military personnel to procure affordable small form factor embeddable encryption devices.
Viasat's Mini Crypto module is a new breakthrough in technology for securing U.S. Air Force's small form factor unmanned systems and sensors that transmit SECRET and Below (SAB) data. The module enables rapid development of small form factor unmanned military applications that need to be securely connected to classified networks. The Mini Crypto enables more rapid and secure data dissemination to government personnel; provides increased protection and support for securing C2 (command and control) links critical to weaponized platforms; and ensures a secure backhaul link for classified data to various U.S. government agencies, giving decision-makers real-time access to mission-critical tactical data. Mini Crypto is a self-contained crypto engine that does not require manual key input since it uses certificate-based self-generated keys. It brings unprecedented ease-of-use to the warfighter through a battery-free, small physical footprint that leverages Cryptographic High Value Product (CHVP) handling policy, eliminating the tracking/retrieval burden associated with traditional Type 1 crypto.
"Mini Crypto is revolutionizing crypto for tactical operations. We think the Mini Crypto module will really help forward-deployed warfighters secure unmanned platforms, sensors, and communication devices in areas where risk of interception is high, and still protect sensitive data without burdening warfighters on the front lines with extra equipment or steps to safeguard the encryption device," said Heidi Beason, Mini Crypto Program Manager at the Air Force Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division. "In addition, we feel the Mini Crypto will enable us to lower operational costs achieved through the innovative use of self-generated keys as well as reduce expensive handling, logistics and lifecycle costs as the Viasat module is a non-Controlled Cryptographic Item."
"Protected battlefield communications are critical to our warfighters, from ensuring unmanned systems can communicate at classified levels to making certain that sensors at the farthest edge of the battlespace can connect to critical networks in the Area of Responsibility (AOR)," said Ken Peterman, president, Government Systems, Viasat. "Viasat's Mini Crypto represents a huge step in expediting the implementation of encrypted communications for tactical unmanned systems, sensors across the battlespace and development of systems that can be more easily shared with allies in the field. Prior to the availability of this crypto module, it was much harder to secure the increasing range of communications devices due to the complexity and high cost of cryptography technology; however, we are proud to have solved this problem with the Viasat Mini Crypto module that contains a complete crypto system."
The Viasat Mini Crypto module is based upon Viasat's programmable and embeddable PSIAM™ cryptographic technology. Advantages of the module include: low size, weight, and power (SWaP), which is critical for unmanned systems requiring a small form factor solution; fully programmable, enabling software to be upgradeable even after deployment; and low cost.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements include statements about the availability, value, cost and benefits of the embedded cryptography module. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the U.S. government generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2017 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Viasat and PSIAM are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc.
SOURCE Viasat, Inc.
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