Viasat First-to-Certify its High-Speed Network Encryption Device with the New National Security Agency Cryptographic Interoperability Standard

CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat Inc. VSAT, a global communications company, today announced its recently upgraded high-speed network encryptor, the Viasat KG-142, is the first device certified and fielded to meet a new, critical National Security Agency (NSA) standard—the Ethernet Data Encryptor Cryptographic Interoperability Specification (EDE-CIS).

The KG-142 encryptor is the first Type 1 MACsec 200 Gbps (aggregate) Ethernet encryptor to protect any classification of data up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) where very high-bandwidth and low latency are critical—such as cloud computing, transport networks, big data processing and archive/disaster recovery. The device is available in 20/40/80/200 Gbps aggregate speed configurations, and is able to deliver reliable, network-efficient protection for Layer 2 Ethernet communications.

"Network encryption is essential in protecting the integrity of sensitive information transported by our U.S. government, military and Five Eye (FVEY) coalition forces. As mission-critical applications—such as machine learning and artificial intelligence—migrate to cloud-centric networks, they will require more bandwidth, better processing speeds and greater network encryption with advanced security features," said Ken Peterman, president, Government Systems, Viasat. "Combining decades of experience protecting classified government data with proven innovation in broadband networking, Viasat's KG-142 encryptor sets the new standard in delivering high-availability security to protect the integrity of applications from cyber threats associated with the evolving cloud-based battlespace."

Delivering more advanced cryptographic capabilities
The EDE-CIS-compliant KG-142 now offers built-in modern and advanced cybersecurity protection through Advanced Cryptographic Capability (ACC) compatibility. This upgrade also provides optional access to NSA's Key Management Infrastructure (KMI), to help end-users defend against advanced cyber threats by supporting multiple KMI keying options, which provides improved device management, monitoring and status reporting.

The KG-142 encryptor also conforms to NSA Ethernet Security Specification (ESS) and IEEE Std 802.1AE MACsec to ensure backward interoperability across government networks.

10x faster data processing
With more data processing, storage and domain information shifting to cloud-based networks, network managers must upgrade their transport systems from slower Layer 3 networks using HAIPE (High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor) Type 1 encryption devices to higher bandwidth Layer 2 networks using EDE devices.

HAIPE devices are only able to reach 20 Gbps aggregate throughput. The upgraded KG-142 EDE gives high-speed cloud and transport network operators greater throughput support by operating at multiple speeds, 20 Gbps to 200 Gbps (aggregate)—making the processing power of the new KG-142 encryptor 10 times faster than the fastest HAIPE encryptor available today.

Availability
Viasat's KG-142 device, is available for purchase today in 20/40/80/200Gbps aggregate speed configurations. More information on the KG-142, can be found here.

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 media 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 Viasat's KG-142 network encryptor, inclusive of meeting new critical security-focused industry standards, data processing speeds and other cryptographic capabilities. 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 industry 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 © 2021 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Viasat, Inc.