IBM LTO Generation 6 Encrypting Tape Drive
IBM LTO Generation 6 Encrypting Tape Drive, from IBM® Corporation, holds FIPS 140-2 certificate #2169 at overall level 1. 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
Certificate
| Certificate number | 2169 |
|---|---|
| Standard | FIPS 140-2 |
| Status | historical |
| Overall level | 1 |
| Module type | Hardware |
| Embodiment | Multi-chip standalone |
| Vendor | IBM® Corporation · website |
| Hardware versions | 00V7133 EC Level M12977 [1], 00V7137 EC Level M12977 [2], 00V7135 EC Level M12977 [3] and 00V7139 EC Level M12977 [4] |
| Firmware versions | LTO6_DA86.fcp_fh_f.fmrz [1], LTO6_DA86.fcp_hh_f.fmrz [2], LTO6_DA86.sas_fh_f.fmrz [3] and LTO6_DA86.sas_hh_f.fmrz [4] |
Module description
Quoted from the NIST CMVP entry for this certificate.
The IBM LTO Generation 6 Encrypting Tape Drive provides AES-GCM encryption of customer data recorded to tape. Both encryption and compression are implemented in the hardware for optimum performance. Four different host interface types of the LTO Generation 6 "brick" unit are FIPS certified as a multi-chip, standalone cryptographic module. In customer operation the "brick" unit may be embedded in bridge box or in a canister package for operation in a library.
Security level exceptions
- Mitigation of Other Attacks: N/A
Approved algorithms (4)
Other algorithms
AES (Cert. #2694, key wrapping); RSA (key wrapping; key establishment methodology provides 112 bits of encryption strength)
Validation history
| Date | Type | Lab |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-06-11 | Initial | Leidos Accredited Testing & Evaluation (AT&E) Lab |
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: 2014-06-11