BBC News Technology Report from Infosecurity 2009

NEWS - NHS trusts warned on patient data

What is FIPS?

FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) is a US & Canadian certification which recognises AES compliant devices so they can be utilised by Federal agencies or departments for the purpose of protecting sensitive data.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) specifies a FIPS-approved cryptographic algorithm that can be used to protect electronic data. The AES algorithm is a symmetric block cipher that can encrypt (encipher) and decrypt (decipher) information. Encryption converts data to an unintelligible form called ciphertext; decrypting the ciphertext converts the data back into its original form, called plaintext. The AES algorithm is capable of using cryptographic keys of 128, 192, and 256 bits to encrypt and decrypt data in blocks of 128 bits.

FIPS-197 Data Locker Hardware Certified

Data Locker Pro AES and Enterprise editions contain the Enova chipset. This means that the AES algorithm which allows the encryption and decryption of data has met the FIPS-197 standard.

Data Locker FIPS-197 Certificate

FIPS-140-2 Data Locker Certification Pending

At present Data Locker is awaiting FIPS-140-2 validation. Data Locker has already been accredited with FIPS-197 and we are confident it will also pass the FIPS-140-2 test. Testing has been submitted and we are waiting for validation and certification. Updates will be posted here as and when more information is available.

Contact Us if you would like information on our accreditation progress.

More Information on Encryption and FIPS Certifications

AES - Advanced Encryption Standard Specification
FIPS Overview