AEP Networks Achieves Highest-Possible FIPS Certification for its Cryptographic Hardware Security Module

AEP Keyper Enterprise Awarded FIPS 140-2 Level 4 Certification

NEW YORK CITY – Dec. 12, 2005 – AEP Networks today announced that its Keyper Enterprise cryptographic hardware security module (HSM) has been certified to U.S. FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) 140-2 Level 4, the highest-possible accreditation level. This certification means that network security administrators can use Keyper Enterprise to generate, store and use high-quality cryptographic keys with the assurance of full FIPS compliance. AEP made its announcement here at Interop NY (Dec. 12-15) where it is exhibiting in booth#124.

“FIPS standards, issued by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specify IT security guidelines for U.S. government agencies; FIPS standards are also widely followed by other government organizations, financial institutions and commercial enterprises around the world.

FIPS 140-2 Level 4 certifies Keyper’s automatic key deletion upon tamper detection, its hardware-seeded random number generator, its key management and its algorithm implementations.

“AEP Keyper Enterprise is the only cryptographic HSM on the market today that meets the rigorous requirements of the FIPS 140-2 Level 4 standards while in use,” said Rob Lane, executive vice president and general manager of AEP’s Secure Networking Business. “We’re seeing increased demand for Keyper Enterprise among both government and private enterprises that require the highest demonstrated level of secure key storage and management, which is possible only with a hardware-based approach.”

AEP Keyper securely generates, stores, manages and enables the use of cryptographic keys. AEP Keyper is primarily used by larger enterprises that serve as their own trusted certification authority and thus need to generate their own keys and certificates for security applications. The AEP Keyper product suite spans Enterprise, Professional and PCI models. AEP Keyper can be deployed standalone within an enterprise network or in tandem with AEP Net highly secure VPN encryptors.

Since its inception in 2000, AEP Keyper has been deployed in public- and private-sector enterprises in the U.K., U.S., Australia, Japan, Singapore and Europe; governmental applications have involved defense, revenue and taxation, treaty monitoring and space systems.

The FIPS-certified AEP Keyper Enterprise is available immediately. For pricing and buying information, contact info@aepnetworks.

About AEP Networks
AEP Networks (www.aepnetworks.com), the specialist in network and application access security, delivers infrastructure security solutions that are easy to use and manage while offering exceptional value and mission-critical reliability. The company provides a full range of solutions, including identity-based application security gateways, highly secure VPNs, SSL VPNs and cryptographic key management products, to meet the most demanding requirements of public-sector and commercial customers around the world. A privately held company backed by leading technology investors, AEP Networks is based in Somerset, N.J., with European headquarters in London and a Government Solutions Group in Rockville, Md.

The AEP Networks Logo is a trademark of AEP Networks, Inc., with registration pending in the U.S. Netilla and SmartGate are registered trademarks of AEP Networks, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

For More Information:
Ted Dupont
Director, Corporate Communications
AEP Networks
732-652-5241
ted.dupont@aepnetworks.com