• Ask a Question

    Ask us a question.

  • Newsletter

netShield IconnCipher nShield

nShield AssortmentDedicated security module for critical business processes

A dedicated HSM that plugs into a single server, nCipher nShield enables you to quickly meet your most demanding encryption needs.

nCipher nShield protects encryption keys on servers in a highly secure, tamper-resistant hardware environment. A dedicated module installed on a single server, it provides encryption and signing for a specific application.

Built to meet intense processing demands, nCipher nShield frees resources for your business applications. Because it’s compatible with a wide range of applications, nCipher nShield protects more data in more places, furthering your encryption strategy.

 

Benefits

  • Meets high-performance encryption needs
  • Frees application resources
  • Controls access to critical information
  • Delivers FIPS-validated security
  • Integrates with business applications
 

Get certified

nCipher's training courses provides customers, partners, and developers with an overview of the nCipher key management and acceleration server based hardware.
Learn More »

 

Strong encryption key protection
Protects keys in a highly secure, tamper-resistant hardware environment, enabling them to be effectively managed and safely stored.

Secure processing
Data processing take place securely within the device, providing a trustworthy environment for critical executable code and sensitive information.

Validated security
nCipher nShield is FIPS-validated and under evaluation for Common Criteria. As a result, it’s preapproved for use in public-sector and high-security environments.

Easy integration
Integrates with leading enterprise applications out of the box, so deployment is fast and cost-effective.

 

Operating systems

  • AIX
  • HP-UX
  • Linux
  • Solaris
  • Windows

Please contact the nCipher sales team for information on compatibility with specific OS versions and patch levels.

Third-party applications
For more information on vendors providing applications compatible with nCipher hardware, please visit the nCipher Partners section.

Developer solutions
nCipher offers a range of developer solutions to integrate nCipher HSMs into custom applications.

Cryptographic algorithms
Algorithms supported by nCipher HSMs include but are not limited to, the following:

  • Symmetric ciphers
    • AES
    • ARC4 (compatible with RC4)
    • DES
    • TripleDES
  • Public key ciphers
    • DSA
    • ElGamal
    • RSA
    • ECC (optional)
  • Key exchange mechanisms
    • Diffie-Hellman
    • DES/TripleDES XOR
  • Hash and HMAC functions
    • MD2
    • MD5
    • RIPEMD 160
    • SHA-2
    • SHA-1

Note: Not all algorithms are available in FIPS 140-2 Level 3 mode.

Optional features overview

  • nCipher Remote Operator
  • nCipher Secure Execution Engine (SEE)
  • ISO Smart Card Support
  • nCipher payShield Option Pack
  • KCDSA (available only in South Korea)
  • Elliptic Curve (ECC) Activation

Certifications

  • nCipher HSMs are certified for and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 and 3. More information.
  • nCipher HSMs are undergoing Common Criteria EAL4+ evaluation through the Common Criteria Evaluation and Certification Scheme. Progress can be monitored here.
  • Certified for Microsoft Windows 2008
  • Information on RoHS compliance

General specifications

PCI modules: nCipher nShield 2000 F2, 2000 F3, 4000 F2, 4000 F3

  • Full-height PCI, 174.6 mm length
  • 33/66 MHz, 32/64 bits
  • PCI 2.3 compliant
  • PCI 2.1, 2.2, PCI-X compatible
  • Maximum power consumption: 10 watts
  • Temperature: 10-35 degrees Celsius
  • Relative Humidity: 10%-85% non-condensing

PCI modules: nCipher nShield 500 F2, 500 F3

  • Full-height PCI, 127.9 mm length
  • 33/66 MHz, 32 bits
  • PCI 2.3 compliant
  • PCI 2.1, 2.2, PCI-X compatible
  • Maximum power consumption: 5 watts
  • Temperature: 10-35 degrees Celsius
  • Relative Humidity: 10%-85% non-condensing

PCI Express modules: nCipher nShield 500e F2, 500e F3, 6000e F2, 6000e F3

  • PCI low-profile PCI Express, 167.65 mm length
  • PCI Express, single lane
  • PCI Express 1.1 and 2.0 compatible
  • Maximum power consumption: 10 watts
  • Temperature: 10-35 degrees Celsius
  • Relative Humidity: 10%-85% non-condensing
 

Related Resources

White Papers


  • Secure Execution Engine
    nCipher’s Secure Execution Engine runs application software in a proven, certified hardware environment. It protects data, processes, and intellectual property that would otherwise be at risk.


  • Inter-module path protocol
    This nCipher white paper provides a technical overview of the protocol designed to provide a secure connection between two nCipher hardware security modules.

Case Studies


  • Netscape-AOL
    nCipher nShield helped Netscape dramatically decrease help desk calls by accelerating and securing transactions with both its external partners and AOL, its corporate parent.

Services

Related Data Sheets


  • nCipher nShield
    A dedicated hardware security module in a PCI card form factor, nCipher nShield provides physical and logical protection for encryption keys and sensitive application code.