Communications Security & Encryption Products

Harris is an industry leader in low-cost, Size Weight and Power (SWaP)-focused Type 1 and non Type 1 certified embedded encryption products for the National Security Agency (NSA), Harris and third-party developers. We have created a family of cryptographic ASICs and modules that are implemented and fielded in a wide range of product applications, including SWaP-constrained, battery-conscious platforms such as handheld and small form factor radios, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), remote sensors and missile/telemetry applications. Our latest products, based on the Sierra™ and Acropolis™ families, are in use in more than 40 embedded applications.

Harris has extensive experience working with the NSA, as demonstrated by the certification of Sierra™ II through private investment in cooperation with the NSA through a Commercial COMSEC Endorsement Program (CCEP). Harris developed the Sierra™ and Acropolis™ product families for the express purpose of providing commercial solutions for use in a multitude of high assurance applications. Through close partnerships with our customers, we continue to refine solutions at both the chip and module levels.

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  Sierra ™ II – Protection Through To Top Secret/SCI Level

  Sierra II is an advanced, high-performance Type-1 cryptographic device developed by Harris as a programmable, scalable, cryptographic module comprised of a custom System-on-a-Chip (SoC) ASIC with supporting hardware and software. Digitized voice and data traffic is encrypted and decrypted using one of the Sierra II’s embedded cryptographic algorithms. Sierra II is certified to protect data up through the TS/SCI classification level. The Sierra II ASIC, the hardware reference design, and the Core Software were NSA certified in September 2004. Sierra II’s software programmability provides a low-cost migration path for future upgrades (HAIPE standards evolution) to embedded communications equipment without the logistics and cost burdens associated with updating legacy cryptographic hardware. Today, Sierra II technology is embedded in over 32 products.

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  Citadel® – Encryption Approved for Export

  The Citadel cryptographic engine provides military-grade encryption for non-Type 1 applications for U.S. and international users. It is approved for export with configurable key lengths and multiple algorithm options, making it an ideal encryption solution for a broad range of modern communications products. Citadel has three algorithm options: a standard Citadel high-grade algorithm; a Harris-configured, customer-unique Citadel algorithm; and a customer-configurable unique Citadel algorithm. All Citadel cryptographic algorithms are based on a mixed-mode, arithmetic block cipher and support both communications security and transmission security functions.

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  Acropolis™ – Security for Today and Tomorrow

  The Acropolis integrated circuit is a digital encryption device that provides high-grade information security for both current and future communication systems. The Acropolis device contains the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard (FIPS-197 certified) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. This algorithm addresses the encryption requirements for military (both U.S. and international customers), government products, homeland security, and commercial applications, handling highly sensitive information. The AES algorithm is implemented with the relevant security features to allow Acropolis to support higher levels of FIPS 140-2 certified host embedments. Acropolis offers a small form factor, low-power, high-data-rate solution for your communications security requirements.