Thales, a leader in critical information systems, cybersecurity and data security, announces its†nShield XC†hardware security modules (HSMs) and†Vormetric Application Encryption†solution are now certified to Federal lnformation Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2. Validation to FIPS 140-2 is a mandated requirement in many industry and government sectors and is a frequently stated best practice for organizations seeking to protect sensitive data.
Vormetric Application Encryption is a library that encrypts files or columns in databases, big data nodes, container, and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) environments, allowing programmers to simplify the process of adding encryption to applications. The solution, which is managed through the Vormetric Data Security Manager (DSM), allows customers to centrally manage and securely store their encryption keys. Vormetric Application Encryption is a particularly useful tool for customers needing to meet data protection mandates, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
nShield XC Solo and nShield XC Connect are the latest models in Thales’s HSM portfolio, delivering accelerated cryptographic services to a variety of applications across the network. These hardened, tamper-resistant platforms perform functions including encryption, digital signing, and key generation and protection. With their comprehensive capabilities nShield HSMs support an extensive range of applications, including certificate authorities, code signing or any other application that uses digital keys, either on premises, or in virtual or cloud environments.
Peter Galvin, VP of Strategy, Thales e-Security says:
“Our customers recognize the need to deploy systems with enhanced levels of security and trust, but quantifying that requirement is notoriously difficult. FIPS 140-2 provides a convenient and yet meaningful benchmark. It’s easy for vendors to make security claims about their products but this rigorous validation of our nShield XC HSMs and Vormetric Application Encryption gives our customers the confidence they need to trust our products with their most valuable digital assets, today and into the future.”
Vormetric Application Encryption is validated to FIPS 140-2 Level 1, currently the highest level of certification a software solution can meet.
nShield XC Connect and nShield XC Solo are both validated to FIPS 140-2 Level 3 as are the rest of the members of the nShield family of HSMs, including nShield Connect+, Solo+ and Edge.
Thales Datacryptor†network encryption appliance is also certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 3.