LOS GATOS, Calif. -- Network security and flow classification market leader Hifn™ (Nasdaq: HIFN), today announced that four key algorithms - DES (FIPS 46-3), 3DES (FIPS 81), SHA-1 (FIPS 180-1), and AES (FIPS 197) -- implemented in its 795x and Hifn Intelligent Packet Processing (HIPP) security processors have been awarded Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) algorithm conformance certification by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Considered the benchmark for security within government departments and agencies, FIPS specifies the necessary security requirements of cryptographic technology used within U.S. government agencies' IT infrastructures. Products must undergo rigorous testing by an accredited independent lab to satisfy NIST standards. These validated algorithms assist in vendors receiving FIPS 140 validation.

“FIPS 140-2 support has been a focus for Hifn's HIPP packet-processors since their introduction almost 4 years ago. Algorithm certification is an essential component of that support, and one that benefits all of our customers." says Scott Finley, Director of Marketing. “In addition, the Hifn Security Platform (HSP) was developed as part of a close working relationship with our customers to bridge the gap from algorithm certification to fully FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic modules.”

FIPS 140-2 is a government standard that validates security claims for products using cryptography through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). By law, U.S. government purchasing agents must purchase the product that is certified for FIPS 140-2 (or FIPS 140-1), over one that is not. FIPS 140-2 is also required in Canada and recognized in Europe and Australia. The financial community uses FIPS 140-2 to measure the safety of products handling monetary transactions, and the standard is also being adopted by ISO and ANSI.

In addition to the government market, demand for AES-certified products is expected to increase in commercial markets that require the highest level of secure data encryption and privacy, such as financial, banking and medical information applications. As businesses continue to focus on risk, an increasing number of commercial entities and standards bodies have, or are considering, requiring FIPS-140-2 for data communication encryption devices.

Hifn offers the most comprehensive support for customer system verification of FIPS 140-2 certification process with HIPP security processors and the Hifn Secure Platform (HSP) hardware/software architecture package. HSP supports red/black separation for key generation, and also supports crypto officer key management, and key wrapping for key import export. Hifn also offers hardware-based random number generators, including support for the X9.17 random number generation, a key to cryptographic module verification.

Hifn Inc.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)