808bits

MiniHSM [1], MiniHSM for nShield Edge [2] and MiniHSM for Time Stamp Master Clock [3]

FIPS 140-2 certificate #1744 · nCipher Security Limited · data as of 2026-09-13

MiniHSM [1], MiniHSM for nShield Edge [2] and MiniHSM for Time Stamp Master Clock [3], from nCipher Security Limited, holds FIPS 140-2 certificate #1744 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.

Historical. Moved to historical list in accordance with SP800-131A Revision 1 Transition (AES/TDES key wrapping). Federal agencies may reference historical validations for existing systems only, not for new procurement.
Caveat: When operated in FIPS mode and initialized to Overall Level 2 per Security Policy

Certificate

Certificate number1744
StandardFIPS 140-2
Statushistorical
Overall level2
Module typeHardware
EmbodimentMulti-chip embedded
VendornCipher Security Limited · website
Hardware versionsnC4031Z-10 [1], nC3021U-10 [2] and TSMC200 [3], Build Standard N
Firmware versions2.50.17-2, 2.51.10-2, 2.50.35-2 and 2.55.1-2

Module description

Quoted from the NIST CMVP entry for this certificate.

The MiniHSM, MiniHSM for nShield Edge and MiniHSM for Time Stamp Master Clock are fully featured HSMs supplied in a single chip package. The MiniHSM Modules offer all the security and key management features of other nShield modules - but with reduced processing speed. The MiniHSM modules are OEM parts and will be included within other appliances or products, for example switches or routers. The MiniHSM modules have a real time clock which also makes them suitable for use as a time-stamping engine.

Security level exceptions

  • Roles, Services, and Authentication: Level 3
  • Physical Security: Level 3
  • EMI/EMC: Level 3
  • Design Assurance: Level 3

Approved algorithms (10)

AlgorithmCAVP certificates
AES1770
CVL6
DRBG120
DSA553
ECDSA238
HMAC1039
RSA886
SHS1554
Triple-DES1146
Triple-DES MACvendor affirmed

Other algorithms

ARC4; Aria; Camellia; CAST-6; DES; MD5; SEED; HMAC-MD5; HMAC-Tiger; HMAC-RIPEMD160; RIPEMD-160; Tiger; El-Gamal; KCDSA; HAS-160; AES (Cert. #1579, key wrapping; key establishment methodology provides between 128 and 256 bits of encryption strength); Triple-DES (Cert. #1035, key wrapping; key establishment methodology provides 112 bits of encryption strengh; non-compliant less than 112 bits of encryption strength); RSA (key wrapping; key establishment methodology provides between 112 and 256 bits of encryption strength; non-compliant less than 112 bits of encryption strength); Diffie-Hellman (CVL Cert. #1, key agreement; key establishment methodology provides between 112 and 256 bits of encryption strengh; non-compliant less than 112 bits of encryption strength); EC Diffie-Hellman (CVL Cert. #1, key agreement; key establishment methodology provides between 112 and 256 bits of encryption strengh; non-compliant less than 112 bits of encryption strength); ECMQV (key agreement; key establishment methodology provides between 112 and 256 bits of encryption strengh; non-compliant less than 112 bits of encryption strength)

Validation history

DateTypeLab
2012-06-25InitialDXC Technology
2013-08-16UpdateDXC Technology
2013-10-25UpdateDXC Technology
2015-10-31UpdateDXC Technology
2020-01-29UpdateLightship Security, Inc.

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: 2012-06-25, 2013-08-16, 2013-10-25, 2015-10-31, 2020-01-29

Source documents