PKI BLADE Applet and Protiva PIV DL Card
PKI BLADE Applet and Protiva PIV DL Card, from U.S. Department of State, holds FIPS 140-2 certificate #1573 at overall level 2. The validation is historical: agencies may keep the module in existing systems but not buy it new. Below are its validation history, algorithm certificates and security policy, drawn from the NIST CMVP entry.
Caveat: When operated in FIPS mode with the fingerprint authentication mechanism parameters configured as indicated in the Security Policy Section 12
Certificate
| Certificate number | 1573 |
|---|---|
| Standard | FIPS 140-2 |
| Status | historical |
| Overall level | 2 |
| Module type | Hardware |
| Embodiment | Single-chip |
| Vendor | U.S. Department of State · website |
| Hardware versions | P/N P5CD144 Version A1047808 |
| Firmware versions | EI08-M1004069, Softmask V01, PIV Applet V1.55 and PKI BLADE Applet V1.2 |
Module description
Quoted from the NIST CMVP entry for this certificate.
The PKI/BLADE applet is based on ISO 7816 and GSC-IS commands interface. The applet is designed to be loaded on any Java card compliant with JavaCard v2.2.1 and Global Platform v2.1.1 specifications including PIV certified Java cards. It is designed to provide services for PKI based logical access applications and to provide strong two factor authentication using passwords and fingerprints biometrics.
Security level exceptions
- Roles, Services, and Authentication: Level 3
- Physical Security: Level 3
- EMI/EMC: Level 3
- Design Assurance: Level 3
Approved algorithms (6)
Other algorithms
Triple-DES (Cert. #678, key wrapping; key establishment methodology provides 100 bits of encryption strength)
Validation history
| Date | Type | Lab |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-07-15 | Initial | UL Verification Services, Inc. |
| 2014-02-06 | Update |
Status timeline
As observed by this tracker's snapshots. NIST publishes no dates for list moves; observation began 2026-08-21, so earlier changes carry no date.
- 2026-08-21: first observed by this tracker, status historical
- Validation dates on record: 2011-07-15, 2014-02-06