General Dynamics' TACLANE-C100 supports U.S. NSA's cryptographic modernization program

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, General Dynamics' C4 Systems’ TACLANE®-C100 encryptor has been certified by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) as a Suite B device to secure network communications at the Secret level and below. The certification makes the C100 a non-Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI), enabling users to operate the encryptor in environments where there is a high risk of equipment loss.

The TACLANE-C100, as a NSA Cryptographic High Value Product, non-CCI device, is part of the U.S. government’s new ‘leave-behind’ strategy that also enables interoperability among U.S. government, military and NATO networks as well as private industry responsible for securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.

The Technology

The TACLANE®-C100 Encryptor provides users with a non-CCI solution to protect information classified Secret and below for both strategic and tactical environments. The C100 is ideal for use in high risk scenarios, government releasability and leave behind strategies, federal and civilian applications, and organizations responsible for securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.

The Context

On June 2010 General Dynamics received an $8 million contract from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to develop a NSA Suite B certified encryptor that enables government users to securely share data and information and can be left behind in the event of emergency evacuations.

The encryptor, called the High Assurance Internet Protocol (HAIPE) Interoperability Standard (IS) Version 4 compliant TACLANE-C100 In-Line Network Encryptor (INE), is part of the NSA’s cryptographic modernization program intended to transform information assurance capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The TACLANE-C100 encryptor is the first in a line of General Dynamics Cryptographic High Value Products (CHVP) that ease restrictions on transportation and storage of strictly controlled encryption devices. Currently, only personnel with security clearances may operate encryptors. In addition, the encryptor secures classified information to the Secret level and below, enabling government users to securely share data and information with international coalition partners as well as state and local law enforcement and emergency first responders.

Comments

“Equipment certified as CCI has very specific handling and logistics requirements that can be time-consuming and costly to follow. As a non-CCI encryptor, TACLANE-C100 users can focus on the mission rather than equipment handling and accounting procedures,” said Mike Guzelian, vice president of Secure Voice and Data Products for General Dynamics C4 Systems.

References: General Dynamics (1,2,3)