NIST Certificate #5178 reinforces the cybersecurity of critical timing and synchronization solutions

July 21 – Les Ulis, France – Safran Electronics & Defense today announced that its SecureSyncGuard® cryptographic module has achieved FIPS 140-3 validation, earning NIST Certificate #5178 (National Institute of Standards and Technology) through the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

This validation confirms that SecureSyncGuard® meets the highest cryptographic security requirements established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS). It provides users with independent assurance that the cryptographic mechanisms protecting their mission-critical applications have been rigorously tested and validated.

Enhanced Protection for Critical Infrastructure

SecureSyncGuard® is a software-based cryptographic module embedded within the firmware of the SecureSync® 2400 and VersaSync® platforms. It provides essential cryptographic functions including encryption, authentication, key management, and secure communications.

Compatible with the OpenSSL software library, SecureSyncGuard® protects communications using industry-standard protocols including TLS 1.3, SNMPv3, and LDAPS, while also verifying the integrity of every software update before installation.

If firmware has been altered or cannot be authenticated, the update is automatically rejected, ensuring the integrity of the system.

With SecureSyncGuard®, Safran Electronics & Defense timing solutions deliver trusted, authenticated, and secure time distribution for the most demanding applications across defense, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services, aerospace, and space.

A Strategic Validation for Regulated Markets

FIPS 140-3 validation is a mandatory requirement for many U.S. and Canadian government programs, as well as numerous procurement programs in defense, critical infrastructure, and financial services.

NIST Certificate #5178 provides public, independent, and verifiable proof of the cryptographic compliance of Safran Electronics & Defense time servers.

This achievement is particularly significant as September 21, 2026, marks the official retirement of FIPS 140-2 certificates. SecureSync® 2400 and VersaSync® users can therefore deploy a solution that already complies with the latest security requirements, ensuring uninterrupted regulatory compliance.

Key Benefits for Users

• FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic protection
• Authenticated and secure timing services and communications
• Enhanced resilience against cyber threats
• Compliance with government and regulated industry requirements

“Achieving FIPS 140-3 validation for SecureSyncGuard® reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest levels of security, trust, and resilience to our customers,” said Emmanuel Sicsik-Pare, Director of Product Management at Safran Electronics & Defense. “As synchronization infrastructures become increasingly central to critical systems, validated cryptography is essential to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the time distributed across networks, subsystems, and applications. This validation gives our customers confidence that our solutions meet the industry’s most stringent cybersecurity requirements.”