Editing NSA encryption systems (section)

=== Fifth generation: network-centric systems ===

[[File:MBITR.jpg|thumb|Hand-held microprocessor-controlled radios like this [[AN/PRC-148]] have multiple encryption modes.]]

In the twenty-first century, communication is increasingly based on computer networking. Encryption is just one aspect of protecting sensitive information on such systems, and far from the most difficult one. NSA's role will increasingly be to provide guidance to commercial firms designing systems for government use. [[High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor|HAIPE]] solutions are examples of this type of product (e.g., [http://www.L-3Com.com/HAIPE KG-245A ]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and [http://www.viasat.com/government-communications/information-assurance/altasec-kg-250 KG-250 ]).

Other agencies, particularly [[NIST]], have taken on the role of supporting security for commercial and sensitive but unclassified applications. NSA's certification of the unclassified NIST-selected [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]] algorithm for classified use "in NSA-approved systems" suggests that, in the future, NSA may use more non-classified algorithms. The KG-245A and KG-250 use both classified and unclassified algorithms.

The NSA Information Assurance Directorate is leading the Department of Defense [[Cryptographic Modernization Program]], an effort to transform and modernize Information Assurance capabilities for the 21st century. It has three phases:

* Replacement: Replace all devices at risk.
* Modernization: Integrate modular programmable/embedded crypto solutions.
* Transformation: Be compliant with Global Information Grid/NetCentric requirements.

NSA has helped develop several major standards for secure communication: the ''Future Narrow Band Digital Terminal ([[FNBDT]])'' for voice communications, ''High Assurance Internet Protocol Interoperability Encryption- Interoperability Specification ([[HAIPE]])'' for computer networking and [[Suite B]] encryption algorithms.