C2/Comms

NSA certifies ViaSat security-on-a-chip system

By Michael Peck

Sep 1, 2015

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - An AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter pilot communicates with a crew chief before taking off on a mission Wednesday. AH-64D Apache helicopter pilots from 4th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, have flown more than 13,139 hours while conducting aerial security, recon and ground-support missions since arriving in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Creighton Holub, CAB PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)

The National Security Agency has certified ViaSat's KOV-55 Security-System-on-a-Chip for secure tactical communications.

The certification covers secure voice and data for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low-Volume Terminals (MIDS LVT) operating over a Link 16 network, according to a ViaSat news release. "This is the first certification of its kind, paving the way for Link 16 crypto modernization to enable secure interoperability with legacy and future combat networking waveforms," ViaSat said.

"ViaSat's programmable Security-System-on-a-Chip delivers more than just a crypto engine, it provides an entire cryptographic system that includes key management, memory, power conditioning, IP optimization, zeroization, trusted bypass and control," said Jerry Goodwin, ViaSat's vice president of secure networking systems.

About Michael Peck

Michael Peck is a correspondent for Defense News and a columnist for the Center for European Policy Analysis. He holds an M.A. in political science from Rutgers University. Find him on X at @Mipeck1. His email is mikedefense1@gmail.com.

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