News

Completed NIST Testing Paves the Way for FIPS 140-2 Certification

SSH Communications Security (HEX:SSH1V), a world-leading developer of managed security middleware, today announced that the crypto module used in its award-winning SSH Secure Shell and other SSH products has successfully completed the NIST (National Institute of Standards Technology) validation testing phase for the software's cryptographic processes for entrance into the final NIST endorsement in accordance with the requirements of FIPS 140-2 of the SSH crypto module.

This crypto module can be ordered with SSH Secure Shell, thus enabling users to employ SSH Secure Shell in applications that require FIPS 140-2 compliance. The Crypto Module is expected to receive final FIPS certification later this summer.

"U.S. government agencies and offices face especially unique demands for network security. Illegitimate data access or tampering through unauthorized network access to e-mail, intercepted file transfers, illegal WLAN access, and improper server/router system management, as well as numerous other electronic communications can cripple the nation’s security," said George Adams, president and CEO of SSH Communications Security, Inc. "With the option to use our NIST certified crypto module with SSH Secure
Shell, for example, U.S. Government IT organizations and users gain an important tool in securing the transmission of vital communications and data among U.S. government agencies at home and abroad."

Tests performed by the NIST validated several algorithms implemented in the crypto module used in SSH Secure Shell, including AES, DES, Triple DES, DSA and SHA-1, giving it approval for use in Federal agencies within the context of a complete security program. Many U.S. Government institutions are already using SSH Secure Shell, even before the option for FIPS 140-2 crypto module use is available. These include the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, NASA, the Naval Air Warfare Center, and others.

About SSH Secure Shell

SSH Communications Security is the original developer of the Secure Shell protocol, the de facto standard for remote access and file transfer used by millions world wide. The award-winning SSH Secure Shell software for servers and client provides transparent, strong authentication over any IP-based connection. The SSH Secure Shell Toolkit, available in source code format, allows OEMs to integrate, customize and deploy the award-winning SSH Secure Shell software into networking products quickly and easily. For three years running, SC Magazine awarded SSH Secure Shell as "Best Communications Security Solution," as well as the Government Computer News' FOSE 2002 pick for "Best New Security Solution."

About SSH Communications Security

SSH Communications Security, a world-leading supplier of managed security middleware, offers a broad range of award-winning products designed to address the most critical security issues for businesses, financial institutions and governments worldwide. SSH's award-winning remote access software, SSH Secure Shell, the de facto standard for secure remote access and data transfer, and SSH Sentinel, a feature-rich remote access VPN "smart" client are ideal solutions for securing wireline and wireless networks. The SSH Certifier product family provides a robust certification authority for flexible and strong authentication through digital certificates and tokens. The market-leading, award-winning SSH IPSec family of toolkits for OEMs and software developers enables fast time-to-market and reduced in-house development costs. SSH is traded publicly on the Helsinki Exchanges under HEX:SSH1V. For more information, please visit www.ssh.com.

SSH Corp. Contact
George Adams
SSH Communications Security Corp.
Tel: +1 781 247 2100
E-mail:

Americas Contact
Byron Rashed
SSH Communications Security, Inc.
Tel: +1 650 251 2721
E-mail:

Europe Contact
Bo Sorensen
SSH Communications Security Corp.
Tel: +358 20 500 7404
E-mail:

Investor Relations
Mika Peuranen
SSH Communications Security Corp.
Tel: +358 20 500 7419
E-mail:

U.S. Agency Contact
Cheryl Seaberg
Walt & Company
Tel: +1 408 496 0900 x 2981
E-mail:

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