CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air
Force, in partnership with Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global
communications company, announced the successful completion of its
production readiness review (PRR) on the Mini Crypto program for
the development of an embeddable cryptographic security/data module
for military handheld devices and unmanned systems that
communicates sensitive and classified data. By passing PRR, the
U.S. Air Force and Viasat will proceed into Low Rate Initial
Production (LRIP). The Viasat Mini Crypto module will enable U.S.
Air Force and military personnel to procure affordable small form
factor embeddable encryption devices.
Viasat's Mini Crypto module is a new breakthrough in technology
for securing U.S. Air Force's small form factor unmanned systems
and sensors that transmit SECRET and Below (SAB) data. The module
enables rapid development of small form factor unmanned military
applications that need to be securely connected to classified
networks. The Mini Crypto enables more rapid and secure data
dissemination to government personnel; provides increased
protection and support for securing C2 (command and control) links
critical to weaponized platforms; and ensures a secure backhaul
link for classified data to various U.S. government agencies,
giving decision-makers real-time access to mission-critical
tactical data. Mini Crypto is a self-contained crypto engine that
does not require manual key input since it uses certificate-based
self-generated keys. It brings unprecedented ease-of-use to the
warfighter through a battery-free, small physical footprint that
leverages Cryptographic High Value Product (CHVP) handling policy,
eliminating the tracking/retrieval burden associated with
traditional Type 1 crypto.
"Mini Crypto is revolutionizing crypto for tactical operations.
We think the Mini Crypto module will really help forward-deployed
warfighters secure unmanned platforms, sensors, and communication
devices in areas where risk of interception is high, and still
protect sensitive data without burdening warfighters on the front
lines with extra equipment or steps to safeguard the encryption
device," said Heidi Beason, Mini
Crypto Program Manager at the Air Force Cryptologic and Cyber
Systems Division. "In addition, we feel the Mini Crypto will enable
us to lower operational costs achieved through the innovative use
of self-generated keys as well as reduce expensive handling,
logistics and lifecycle costs as the Viasat module is a
non-Controlled Cryptographic Item."
"Protected battlefield communications are critical to our
warfighters, from ensuring unmanned systems can communicate at
classified levels to making certain that sensors at the farthest
edge of the battlespace can connect to critical networks in the
Area of Responsibility (AOR)," said Ken
Peterman, president, Government Systems, Viasat. "Viasat's
Mini Crypto represents a huge step in expediting the implementation
of encrypted communications for tactical unmanned systems, sensors
across the battlespace and development of systems that can be more
easily shared with allies in the field. Prior to the availability
of this crypto module, it was much harder to secure the increasing
range of communications devices due to the complexity and high cost
of cryptography technology; however, we are proud to have solved
this problem with the Viasat Mini Crypto module that contains a
complete crypto system."
The Viasat Mini Crypto module is based upon Viasat's
programmable and embeddable PSIAM™ cryptographic technology.
Advantages of the module include: low size, weight, and power
(SWaP), which is critical for unmanned systems requiring a small
form factor solution; fully programmable, enabling software to be
upgradeable even after deployment; and low cost.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company
that believes everyone and everything in the world can be
connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how
consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world
communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global
communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable,
fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the
ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat,
visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or
follow the Company on social at:
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains
forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors
created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements include statements
about the availability, value, cost and benefits of the embedded
cryptography module. Readers are cautioned that actual results
could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
include: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing
issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being
developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not
perform according to expectations; and increased competition and
other factors affecting the U.S. government generally. In addition,
please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's
SEC filings available at www.sec.gov,
including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K
and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date on which they are
made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2017 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other
product or company names mentioned are used for identification
purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Viasat and PSIAM are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.