ABERDEEN, Md. (April 9, 2025) – One Combatant Command now has a streamlined process for delivering cryptographic keys to remote sites across Latin America.
The U.S., its allies and partners use cryptographic keys to safeguard against unauthorized access to classified information. The keys were traditionally delivered using slower, more cumbersome key delivery methods – often loaded onto key fill devices and hand-delivered to Army Communications Security (COMSEC) personnel across all areas of operation.
To implement a more logistically friendly process, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) requested assistance from Army COMSEC and crypto modernization personnel to activate Key Management Infrastructure (KMI)-aware features on a variety of their encryption devices around the world.
KMI is a National Security Agency (NSA)-led program responsible for all COMSEC key management and distribution. It supports Combatant Commands, Joint Services, DoD agencies, Federal agencies and coalition partners and allies.
“The Army will be upgrading a major portion of its network encryptors over the next two to five years, as part of the DoD’s crypto modernization effort,” said Brian Finley, assistant program manager for KMI within Product Manager COMSEC, assigned to Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, and Network (PEO C3N).
The biggest advantage to operating KMI-aware devices is increased key distribution options combined with enhanced security without the need of a fill device. Receiving keys directly from the KMI web-based storefront, hosted by the NSA, eliminates the risk of key exposure while in the field.
“When fully implemented, KMI-aware devices will drastically reduce the need for legacy key delivery methods, which will also reduce travel costs and risk to personnel – especially for those traveling to remote and sometimes unstable military or political locations,” Finley said.
SOUTHCOM is the first major command the Army has enabled with KMI-aware over-the-network key capabilities, and the pilot effort showcased both increased security while reducing complexity and costs to the DoD.
The hands-on support provided by the COMSEC and the Cryptographic team included registering and initializing new KMI-aware High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) devices, which adhere to the strictest cyber security standards and use advanced encryption techniques to safeguard sensitive data transmitted over networks.
“It's incredibly rewarding to see the KMI-aware features move from the lab to the operational environment in SOUTHCOM,” said Jennifer (Jenney) Mills, Key Management Group lead from Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center.
“My group dedicated the last few years diligently testing and reporting challenges to NSA, ensuring the seamless integration of KMI-aware devices.”
The technology will significantly contribute to cost savings, reduced logistical burdens, and most importantly, enhance the safety of our Soldiers and personnel, she said.
Once provisioned with the KMI storefront, SOUTHCOM COMSEC personnel shipped the devices to their remote locations. Authorized recipients can now access the storefront to retrieve cryptographic products specifically destined for their individual account and device.
Besides providing direct, safe access to crypto keys, KMI provides network management features and access to other cryptographic products, providing the user and account manager the flexibility to provide the most secure, most up-to-date network components.
“With national security refocusing on near-peer adversaries, the stakes continue to climb for those charged with protecting unauthorized access to classified communications,” Finley said. “These enhanced crypto mod products and processes are placing the Army’s most sensitive information in good hands.”
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The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, and Network (PEO C3N) develops, acquires, fields and supports the Army's Unified Network (Tactical and Enterprise) to ensure force readiness in both current missions and potential future large scale combat operations. This critical Army modernization priority delivers resilient terrestrial and satellite communications capabilities to ensure commanders and Soldiers remain connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. PEO C3N is delivering an integrated Unified Network to regions around the globe, enabling high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications to an Army user base that includes joint, coalition and other mission partners.
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