Editing NSA encryption systems

{{Short description|Aspect of US National Security Agency}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2007}}

The [[National Security Agency]] took over responsibility for all [[US government]] [[encryption]] systems when it was formed in 1952. The technical details of most NSA-approved systems are still [[Classified information in the United States|classified]], but much more about its early systems have become known and its most modern systems share at least some features with commercial products.

NSA and its predecessors have produced a number of [[cipher device]]s. [[Rotor machine]]s from the 1940s and 1950s were mechanical marvels. The first generation electronic systems were quirky devices with cantankerous [[punched card]] readers for loading [[key (cryptography)|keys]] and failure-prone, tricky-to-maintain [[vacuum tube]] circuitry. Late 20th century systems are just [[Black box (systems)|black box]]es, often literally. In fact they are called ''[[blacker (security)|blacker]]s'' in NSA parlance because they convert [[plaintext]] classified signals (''red'') into encrypted unclassified [[ciphertext]] signals (''black''). They typically have [[electrical connector]]s for the red signals, the black signals, electrical power, and a port for loading keys. Controls can be limited to selecting between [[fill device|key fill]], normal operation, and diagnostic modes and an all important ''[[Zeroisation|zeroize]]'' button that erases [[classified information]] including keys and perhaps the encryption algorithms. 21st century systems often contain all the sensitive cryptographic functions on a single, tamper-resistant integrated circuit that supports multiple algorithms and allows over-the-air or network re-keying, so that a single hand-held field radio, such as the [[AN/PRC-148]] or [[AN/PRC-152]], can interoperate with most current NSA [[cryptosystem]]s.

Little is publicly known about the algorithms NSA has developed for protecting [[Classified information in the United States|classified information]], called [[Type 1 encryption|Type 1]] algorithms by the agency. In 2003, for the first time in its history, NSA-approved two published algorithms, [[Skipjack (cipher)|Skipjack]] and [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]], for [[Type 1 encryption|Type 1]] use in NSA-approved systems.

== Security factors ==

NSA has to deal with many factors in ensuring the security of communication and information ([[COMSEC]] and [[Information security|INFOSEC]] in NSA jargon):

* '''[[Confidentiality]]''': making sure messages cannot be read by unauthorized parties.
* '''[[Authentication]]''': the validation of the source of transmitted messages.
* '''[[Nonrepudiation]]''': making sure that transmitted messages cannot be forged.
* '''Traffic flow security''': making sure an adversary cannot obtain information from [[traffic analysis]], often accomplished by [[link encryption]].
* '''[[Key management]]''': getting keys securely to thousands of cipher devices in the field, perhaps the most difficult part of implementing an encryption system. One NSA goal is [[benign fill]], a technology for distributing keys in a way that the humans never have access to plaintext key.
* '''Investigative access''': making sure encrypted communications are accessible to the US government. While few would argue with the need for the government to access its own internal communications, the NSA [[Clipper chip]] proposal to extend this [[key escrow]] requirement to public use of cryptography was highly controversial.
* '''[[Tempest (codename)|TEMPEST]]''': protecting [[plaintext]] from compromise by electronic, acoustic, or other emanations.
* '''[[Tamper resistance]], [[tamper-evident]], [[self-destruct]]''': ensuring security even if cipher devices are physically accessed without authorization or are captured.
* Meeting '''military specifications''' for size, weight, power consumption, [[mean time between failures]], and ruggedness for use in mobile platforms.
* Ensuring '''compatibility''' with military and commercial communication standards.
* '''[[Electromagnetic pulse]] hardening''': protecting against [[nuclear explosion]] effects, particularly [[electromagnetic pulse]].
* Controlling '''cost''': making sure encryption is affordable so units that need it have it. There are many costs beyond the initial purchase price, including the manpower to operate and maintain the systems and to ensure their security and the cost of key distribution.
* Enabling '''secure communication with allied forces''' without compromising secret methods.

== Five generations of NSA encryption ==

The large number of cipher devices that NSA has developed in its half century of operation can be grouped into five generations (decades given are very approximate):

=== First generation: electromechanical ===

[[File:KL-7 from front.jpg|thumb|[[KL-7]] at NSA Museum]]

First generation NSA systems were introduced in the 1950s and were built on the legacy of NSA's [[World War II]] predecessors and used rotor machines derived from the [[SIGABA]] design for most high level encryption; for example, the [[KL-7]]. Key distribution involved distribution of paper key lists that described the rotor arrangements, to be changed each day (the ''[[cryptoperiod]]'') at midnight, [[GMT]]. The highest level traffic was sent using one-time tape systems, including the British [[5-UCO]], that required vast amounts of paper tape keying material.<ref name=boaklectures />{{rp|p. 39 ff}}

=== Second generation: vacuum tubes ===

[[File:Kw-26.jpg|thumb|An array of [[KW-26]] cipher devices]]

Second generation systems (1970s) were all electronic designs based on [[vacuum tube]]s and transformer logic. Algorithms appear to be based on [[linear-feedback shift register]]s, perhaps with some non-linear elements thrown in to make them more difficult to cryptanalyze. Keys were loaded by placing a [[punched card]] in a locked reader on the front panel.<ref name="klein">Melville Klein, "Securing Record Communications: The TSEC/KW-26", 2003, NSA brochure, p. 4, [https://www.nsa.gov/about/cryptologic-heritage/historical-figures-publications/publications/misc/assets/files/tsec_kw26.pdf (PDF)]</ref> The cryptoperiod was still usually one day. These systems were introduced in the late 1960s and stayed in use until the mid-1980s. They required a great deal of care and maintenance, but were not vulnerable to EMP. The discovery of the [[Walker spy ring]] provided an impetus for their retirement, along with remaining first generation systems.

=== Third generation: integrated circuits ===

[[File:KOI-18.nsa.jpg|thumb|[[KOI-18]] field paper tape reader]]

Third generation systems (1980s) were transistorized and based on [[integrated circuit]]s and likely used stronger algorithms. They were smaller and more reliable. Field maintenance was often limited to running a diagnostic mode and replacing a complete bad unit with a spare, the defective cipher device being sent to a depot for repair. Keys were loaded through a connector on the front panel. NSA adopted the same type of connector that the military used for field radio handsets as its fill connector. Keys were initially distributed as strips of [[punched tape|punched paper tape]] that could be pulled through a hand held reader ([[KOI-18]]) connected to the fill port. Other, portable electronic [[fill device]]s ([[KYK-13]], etc.) were available as well.

=== Fourth generation: electronic key distribution ===

[[File:STU-IIIphones.nsa.jpg|thumb|STU-III phones with crypto-ignition keys]]

Fourth generation systems (1990s) use more commercial packaging and electronic key distribution. Integrated circuit technology allowed backward compatibility with third generation systems. [[Security token]]s, such as the [[KSD-64]] crypto ignition key ('''CIK''') were introduced. Secret splitting technology allows encryptors and CIKs to be treated as unclassified when they were separated. Later the [[Fortezza]] card, originally introduced as part of the controversial [[Clipper chip]] proposal, were employed as tokens. Cryptoperiods were much longer, at least as far as the user was concerned. Users of secure telephones like the [[STU-III]] only have to call a special phone number once a year to have their encryption updated. Public key methods ([[FIREFLY]]) were introduced for electronic key management ([[EKMS]]), which employed a commercial or militarized personal computer running [[MS-DOS]] to generate cryptographic keys and [[signal operating instructions]] (SOI/CEOI). An NSA-supplied '''AN/CSZ-9''' [[hardware random number generator]] produced the needed random bits. The CSZ-9 connects to the PC through an RS-232 port and is powered by five [[D battery|D cell]] (BA-30) batteries. In later phases of EKMS, the random data functionality is included in an NSA key processor (KP).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/11-1/Ch1.htm |title=US Army Field Manual FM-11-1, 1996, Chapter 1, Section C |access-date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=30 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051230003923/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/11-1/Ch1.htm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Keys could now be generated by individual commands instead of coming from NSA by courier.

A common handheld fill device (the [[AN/CYZ-10]]) was introduced to replace the plethora of devices used to load keys on the many third generation systems that were still widely used. Encryption support was provided for commercial standards such as [[Ethernet]], [[Internet Protocol|IP]] (originally developed by [[United States Department of Defense|DOD's]] [[DARPA|ARPA]]), and optical fiber multiplexing. Classified networks, such as [[SIPRNet]] (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network) and [[JWICS]] (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System), were built using commercial [[Internet]] technology with secure communications links between "enclaves" where classified data was processed. Care had to be taken to ensure that there were no insecure connections between the classified networks and the public [[Internet]].

=== 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.

== NSA encryption by type of application ==

The large number of cipher devices that NSA has developed can be grouped by application:

=== Record traffic encryption ===

During [[World War II]], written messages (known as '''record traffic''') were encrypted off line on special, and highly secret, [[rotor machine]]s and then transmitted in five-letter code groups using [[Morse code]] or [[Teletype Corporation|teletypewriter]] circuits, to be decrypted off-line by similar cipher devices at the other end. The [[SIGABA]] rotor machine, developed during this era continued to be used until the mid-1950s, when it was replaced by the [[KL-7]], which had more rotors.

The [[KW-26]] ROMULUS was a second generation cipher device in wide use that could be inserted into teletypewriter circuits so traffic was encrypted and decrypted automatically. It used electronic [[linear-feedback shift register|shift registers]] instead of rotors and became very popular (for a COMSEC device of its era), with over 14,000 units produced. It was replaced in the 1980s by the more compact [[KG-84]], which in turn was superseded by the KG-84-interoperable [[KIV-7]].

=== Fleet broadcast ===

US Navy ships traditionally avoid using their radios to prevent adversaries from locating them by [[direction finding]]. The Navy also needs to maintain traffic security, so it has radio stations constantly broadcasting a stream of coded messages. During and after World War II, Navy ships copied these ''fleet broadcasts'' and used specialized ''[[call sign]] encryption'' devices to figure out which messages were intended for them. The messages would then be decoded off line using [[SIGABA]] or [[KL-7]] equipment.

The second generation [[KW-37]] automated monitoring of the fleet broadcast by connecting in line between the radio receiver and a [[teleprinter]]. It, in turn, was replaced by the more compact and reliable third generation [[KW-46]].

=== Strategic forces ===

NSA has the responsibility to protect the command and control systems for nuclear forces. The [[KG-3]]X series is used in the US government's ''Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network'' and the ''Fixed Submarine Broadcast System'' used for transmission of emergency action messages for nuclear and national command and control of US strategic forces. The Navy is replacing the [[KG-38]] used in [[nuclear submarine]]s with [[KOV-17]] circuit modules incorporated in new long-wave receivers, based on commercial [[VMEbus|VME]] packaging. In 2004, the US Air Force awarded contracts for the initial system development and demonstration (SDD) phase of a program to update these legacy generation systems used on aircraft.

=== Trunk encryption ===
Modern communication systems [[multiplexing|multiplex]] many signals into wideband data streams that are transmitted over [[optical fiber]], [[coaxial cable]], [[microwave]] relay, and [[communication satellite]]s. These wide-band circuits require very fast cipher devices.

The [[WALBURN]] family ([[KG-81]], [[KG-94]]/[[KG-194|194]], [[KG-94A]]/[[KG-194|194A]], [[KG-95]]) of equipment consists of high-speed bulk encryption devices used primarily for microwave trunks, high-speed land-line circuits, video teleconferencing, and [[Digital Signal 1|T-1]] satellite channels. Another example is the [[KG-189]], which support [[SONET]] optical standards up to 2.5&nbsp;Gbit/s.

Digital Data encryptors such as [[KG-84]] family which includes the TSEC/[[KG-84]], TSEC/[[KG-84]]A and TSEC/[[KG-82]], TSEC/[[KG-84]]A and TSEC/[[KG-84]]C, also the [[KIV-7]].

====KIV-7====
The '''KIV-7''' is a [[National Security Agency]] [[Type 1 encryption|Type-1]], single-channel [[Encrypting|encryptor]] originally designed in the mid-1990s by [[AlliedSignal]] Corporation to meet the demand for secure data communications from personal computers (PC), workstations, and FAXs. It has data rates up to 512&nbsp;kbit/s and is interoperable with the [[KG-84]], KG-84A, and KG-84C data encryption devices.

Several versions of the KIV-7 have been developed over the years by many different corporations that have either bought the rights to build the KIV-7 or through corporate mergers.

*KIV-7 		Speeds up to 512&nbsp;kbit/s
*KIV-7 HS	Speeds up to T-1 (1.54&nbsp;Mbit/s)
*KIV-7HSB	Speeds up to 2.048&nbsp;Mbit/s
*KIV-7M		Speeds up to 50&nbsp;Mbit/s and supports the High Assurance Internet Protocol Interoperability Specification (HAIPIS)
 
(The National Security Agency (NSA) has established new High Assurance Internet Protocol Interoperability Specifications ([[HAIPE|HAIPIS]]) that requires different vendor's Inline Network Encryption (INE) devices to be interoperable.)

=== Voice encryption ===

[[Image:KY-68.nsa.jpg|thumb|[[KY-68]] tactical secure telephone]]

True voice encryption (as opposed to less secure [[scrambler]] technology) was pioneered during World War II with the 50-ton [[SIGSALY]], used to protect the very highest level communications. It did not become practical for widespread use until reasonable compact [[Speech encoding|speech encoder]]s became possible in the mid-1960s. The first tactical secure voice equipment was the [[NESTOR (encryption)|NESTOR]] family, used with limited success during the Vietnam war. Other NSA voice systems include:<ref name=boaklectures>[https://www.governmentattic.org/18docs/Hist_US_COMSEC_Boak_NSA_1973u.pdf A History of US Communications Security; the David G. Boak Lectures], National Security Agency (NSA), Volumes I, 1973, Volumes II 1981, partially released 2008, additional portions declassified October 14, 2015</ref>{{rp|Vol I, p.57ff}}

* [[STU I]] and [[STU II]] — These systems were expensive and cumbersome and were generally limited to the highest levels of command
* [[STU-III]] — These telephone sets operated over ordinary telephone lines and featured the use of security tokens and [[public key cryptography]], making them much more user friendly. They were very popular as a result. Used since the 1980s, this device is rapidly being phased out, and will no longer be supported in the near future.
* [[1910 Terminal]] — Made by a multiple of manufacturers, this device is mostly used as a secure modem. Like the STU-III, new technology has largely eclipsed this device, and it is no longer widely used.
* HY-2 a vocoder for long haul circuits designed to work with the [[KG-13]] key generator.
* [[Secure Terminal Equipment]] (STE) — This system is intended to replace STU-III. It uses wide-[[Bandwidth (signal processing)|bandwidth]] voice transmitted over [[Integrated Services Digital Network|ISDN]] lines. There is also a version which will communicate over a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) line. It can communicate with STU-III phones and can be upgraded for FNBDT compatibility.
* [[Sectéra Secure Module]] — A module that connects to the back of a commercial off the shelf cellular phone. It uses AES or SCIP for encryption.
* [[OMNI (SCIP)|OMNI]] — The OMNI terminal, made by L3 Communications, is another replacement for STU-IIIs. This device uses the FNBDT key and is used to securely send voice and data over the PSTN and ISDN communication systems.
* [[VINSON]] A series of systems for tactical voice encryption including the KY-57 man portable unit and [[KY-58]] for aircraft
* [[HAVE QUICK]] and [[SINCGARS]] use NSA-supplied sequence generators to provide secure [[frequency hopping]]
* [[FNBDT|Future Narrowband Digital Terminal]] (FNBDT) — Now referred to as the "Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol" ([[Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol|SCIP]]), the FNBDT is a replacement for the wide-band STE, which uses narrow-bandwidth communications channels like [[cellular telephone]] circuits, rather than ISDN lines. The FNBDT/SCIP operates on the application layer of the [[OSI model|ISO/OSI Reference Model]], meaning that it can be used on top of different types of connections, regardless of the establishment method. It negotiates with the unit at the other end, much like a dial-up [[modem]].
* Secure Iridium — NSA helped add encryption to the Iridium commercial mobile phones after it rescued the bankrupt [[Iridium Satellite LLC|Iridium]].
* [[Fishbowl (secure phone)|Fishbowl]] — In 2012, NSA introduced an Enterprise Mobility Architecture intended to provide a secure VoIP capability using commercial grade products and an Android-based mobile phone called Fishbowl that allows classified communications over commercial wireless networks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/Mobility_Capability_Pkg_(Version_1.1U).pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-03-02 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301112501/http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/Mobility_Capability_Pkg_(Version_1.1U).pdf |archivedate=March 1, 2012 }}</ref>

The operational complexity of secure voice played a role in the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] on the United States. According to the [[9/11 Commission]], an effective US response was hindered by an inability to set up a secure phone link between the National Military Command Center and the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] personnel who were dealing with the hijackings. ''See'' [[Communication during the September 11, 2001 attacks]].

{{commons category|Voice encryption devices in the National Cryptologic Museum}}

=== Internet ===

NSA has approved a variety of devices for securing [[Internet Protocol]] communications. These have been used to secure the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network ([[SIPRNet]]), among other uses.

The first commercial network layer encryption device was the Motorola Network Encryption System (NES). The system used the SP3 and KMP protocols defined by the NSA [[Secure Data Network System]] (SDNS) and were the direct precursors to [[IPsec]]. The NES was built in a three part architecture that used a small cryptographic security kernel to separate the trusted and untrusted network protocol stacks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0435094B1 |title = EP0435094B1 - Uniform interface for cryptographic services - Google Patents}}</ref>

The SDNS program defined a Message Security Protocol (MSP) that was built on the use X.509 defined certificates. The first NSA hardware built for this application was the BBN Safekeeper.<ref>{{cite book|author=Nancy Cox|title=Electronic Messaging|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BJVwSRGkDZMC&pg=PA566|year=1999|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-0-8493-9825-4|page=566}}</ref> The Message Security Protocol was a successor to the IETF Privacy Enhance Mail (PEM) protocol. The BBN Safekeeper provided a high degree of tamper resistance and was one of the first devices used by commercial PKI companies.

=== Field authentication ===

[[File:KAL-55B Tactical Authentication System (Vietnam War era) - National Cryptologic Museum - DSC08013.JPG|thumb|NSA KAL-55B Tactical Authentication System used during the [[Vietnam War]] — [[National Cryptologic Museum]]]]

NSA still supports simple paper encryption and authentication systems for field use such as [[DRYAD]].

=== Public systems ===

NSA has participated in the development of several cipher devices for public use. These include:
* [[NSA Suite B Cryptography|Suite B]]: a set of [[public key cryptography|public key]] algorithm standards based on [[elliptic curve cryptography]].
* [[Advanced Encryption Standard]] (AES): an encryption algorithm, selected by [[NIST]] after a public competition. In 2003, NSA certified AES for [[Type 1 encryption|Type 1]] use in some NSA-approved systems.
* [[Secure Hash Algorithm]]: a widely used family of [[Cryptographic hash function|hash algorithm]]s developed by NSA based on earlier designs by [[Ron Rivest]].
* [[Digital Signature Algorithm]]
* [[Data Encryption Standard]] (DES)<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.nsa.gov/public_info/_files/cryptologic_histories/cold_war_iii.pdf|title = American Cryptology during the Cold War, 1945-1989.Book III: Retrenchment and Reform, 1972-1980, page 232|author = Thomas R. Johnson|accessdate = 2010-01-03|publisher = [[NSA]], DOCID 3417193|date = 2009-12-18|url-status = dead|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100527214909/http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/_files/cryptologic_histories/cold_war_iii.pdf|archivedate = 2010-05-27}}</ref>
* [[Skipjack (cipher)|Skipjack]]: the cipher developed for Clipper and finally published in 1998.
* [[Clipper chip]]: a controversial failure that convinced NSA that it was advisable to stay out of the public arena.
* [[Security-Enhanced Linux]]: not strictly a cipher device, but a recognition that in the 21st century, [[operating system]] improvements are more vital to information security than better [[cipher]]s.
* The [[Speck (cipher)|Speck]] and [[Simon (cipher)|Simon]] light-weight [[Block cipher]]s, published in 2013.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Electronics}}
*[[List of military electronics of the United States]]
* [[HAIPE]]
* [[Committee on National Security Systems]] (CNSS Policy No. 19)
* [[Cryptography]]
* [[Mykotronx#Mykotronx|SafeNet Mykotronx]], manufacturer of a line of KIV-7 devices.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}<!--added above External links/Sources by script-assisted edit-->

== Sources ==
{{Commons category|NSA encryption devices}}
* [https://www.nsa.gov/ NSA official site]
* [http://www.jproc.ca/crypto/ Jerry Proc Crypto machine page]
* [http://www.pacificsites.com/~brooke/I/CryptoM.shtml Brooke Clarke Crypto machines site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024849/http://www.pacificsites.com/~brooke/I/CryptoM.shtml |date=2016-03-04 }}
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/miscsystems.html#_TSEC Telecommunications Security (TSEC) Nomenclature System]
* [https://www.governmentattic.org/18docs/Hist_US_COMSEC_Boak_NSA_1973u.pdf A History of U.S. Communications Security; the David G. Boak Lectures, National Security Agency (NSA), Volumes I, 1973, Volumes II 1981, partially released 2008, additional portions declassified October 14, 2015]

==External links==
* [http://www.cnss.gov/Assets/pdf/CNSSP-19.pdf CNSS Policy No. 19, National Policy Governing the Use of High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) Products] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513042825/http://www.cnss.gov/Assets/pdf/CNSSP-19.pdf |date=2008-05-13 }}

[[Category:National Security Agency]]
[[Category:National Security Agency encryption devices|*]]