FIPS 140-3-Certified SSD for Communication Systems
Protecting Sensitive Data with FIPS 140-3-Certified SSDs
Aug 26, 2026
Introduction
UD info's FIPS 140-3-validated PCIe M.2 SSD (M2P 80DB series) provides standards-compliant storage for protecting sensitive and classified data in federal and rugged communication systems. Hardware-based AES-XTS-256 encryption and TCG Opal 2.0 capabilities help protect data at rest, even if the drive is removed from its host system. As the successor to FIPS 140-2, FIPS 140-3 aligns validated cryptographic modules with updated security requirements.
Our partner, a leading provider of integrated communication systems to the U.S. Department of Defense, develops hardware and software for a rugged radio communication platform. The company selected UD info's PCIe M.2 SSD as the primary storage device for data acquisition in mission-critical communication applications, where data confidentiality, system security, reliability, and regulatory compliance are essential.
Challenges :
1. Certification and Approval
- AES-256 encryption alone does not establish that an SSD is approved for use in a regulated or rugged application. The drive's cryptographic module must hold an active FIPS 140-3 validation.
- Classified environments may also require Common Criteria certification, agency authorization, or program-specific approval in addition to FIPS validation.
2. Secure Boot and Authentication
- Pre-boot authentication can conflict with unattended radios, tactical servers, and embedded systems that must start automatically.
- The platform must balance operational continuity with strong protection against stolen equipment and unauthorized access attacks.
3. Classified-Data Architecture Requirements
- Depending on the deployment and classification level, a single encrypted SSD may not provide sufficient assurance for classified data.
- A secure, rugged architecture may require approved components, prescribed configurations, and multiple independent layers of data protection.
Solutions
UD info supplied a 2 TB PCIe M.2 FIPS 140-3-validated SSD designed for secure communication systems. The drive performs the required self-tests for active cryptographic algorithms while maintaining strong embedded-system performance. Its security capabilities include hardware-based AES-XTS-256 encryption, TCG Opal 2.0, access control, and secure key management. Integrated into the broader platform architecture, the SSD supports secure startup and authentication requirements while reducing supply-chain and device-level risks, including counterfeit components and unauthorized maintenance access.
Results
By integrating UD info's FIPS 140-3-validated PCIe M.2 SSD, the communication platform gained a validated storage foundation for demanding federal security requirements. Hardware-based encryption, access control, secure key management, and data-at-rest protection help prevent unauthorized data recovery. The solution also supports the layered security architecture needed for sensitive and classified environments, enabling the client to advance system-security objectives and federal procurement requirements with a single, rugged storage platform.