NIST'S CRYPTOGRAPHIC MODULE VALIDATION PROGRAM VALIDATES 100TH CRYPTOGRAPHIC MODULE.

On June 22,2000, the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) of the U.S. and Canadian governments achieved a significant milestone by issuing the programs 100th certificate. The module was validated successfully as meeting the Level 2 security requirements of Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-1, Security Require-ments for Cryptographic Modules. The module provides network security by encrypting/decrypting all network traffic from/to the module when placed between the user Local Area Network and the external network.

The FIPS 140-1 Cryptographic Module Validation List has become a "Who's Who" of cryptographic and information technology vendors and developers from the United States, Canada, and abroad. The list contains a complete range of security levels and a broad spectrum of product types including secure radios, Internet browsers, VPN devices, PC Postage equipment, cryptographic accelerators, secure tokens, smart cards, and others. The recent validations impact federal agencies by further increasing the number and types of tested and validated cryptographic products available for use in securing sensitive information.

The CMVP is a joint effort between NIST and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) of the Government of Canada. NIST and CSE serve as validation authorities for the program.