SEALSQ’s VaultIC 408 Meets FIPS 140-3 Requirements, Advancing NIST Certification and Strengthening Leadership in Secure IoT and Smart Grid Solutions
- VaultIC 408 achieved FIPS 140-3 Security Level 3 compliance, enhancing credibility in regulated markets
- Product already deployed in major applications including UK's Smart Metering Implementation Programme
- Positions company to capture share of IoT market projected at $1.1 trillion by 2030
- Smart Grid market shows strong growth potential with 20.8% CAGR through 2032
- Final NIST CMVP certification still pending and expected in coming months
- Operates in highly competitive IoT and Smart Grid markets
Insights
SEALSQ's VaultIC 408 achieving FIPS 140-3 Level 3 testing milestone strengthens their position in high-security IoT markets where hardware-based protection is increasingly essential.
SEALSQ's VaultIC 408 secure microcontroller has reached a significant milestone by passing FIPS 140-3 Security Level 3 testing, though it remains in the validation queue awaiting final certification. This achievement is technically noteworthy because FIPS 140-3 represents an evolution beyond the previous 140-2 standard with more rigorous requirements for cryptographic modules. Achieving Level 3 (out of 4 possible levels) indicates robust security features including strong physical tamper protection and role-based authentication.
The VaultIC 408's architecture as a hardware-based secure element offers superior protection compared to software-only security approaches. By integrating encryption, authentication, and key management within a tamper-resistant boundary, it addresses fundamental security challenges in connected devices where physical access can't always be controlled. This is particularly critical for the specifically mentioned applications - smart grid infrastructure, smart locks, drones, and satellite IoT platforms - where compromise could have significant consequences.
The module's presence on the CMVP "Modules In Process" list indicates it has completed testing but awaits final validation from NIST. This intermediate status is common in the certification process, which typically takes months to complete even after successful testing. The validation by UL Labs (NVLAP Lab Code 100432-0) provides credibility to the testing process.
For sectors requiring stringent security assurance - particularly government, energy, healthcare, and financial services - FIPS validation serves as an important qualification criterion for procurement. The VaultIC 408's progression toward this certification potentially positions SEALSQ to compete in these security-conscious markets where compliance requirements create barriers to entry for non-certified products.
VaultIC 408's certification progress enhances SEALSQ's competitive position in regulated markets and aligns with growing demand for hardware security in IoT applications.
SEALSQ's advancement toward FIPS 140-3 certification strengthens their market position in the growing secure semiconductor segment. The company is targeting two substantial growth markets: the IoT ecosystem projected to reach
The VaultIC 408's existing deployment in actual commercial applications demonstrates market validation. Its use in the UK's Smart Metering Implementation Programme shows traction in utility infrastructure, while applications in smart locks, drones, and satellite platforms highlight versatility across security-sensitive use cases.
The FIPS 140-3 Level 3 testing milestone removes a significant barrier to entry for regulated markets where such certifications are mandatory, particularly U.S. federal agencies and their contractors. While the module remains in the "Modules In Process" list awaiting final validation, successful testing completion represents substantial progress toward full certification.
From a competitive standpoint, FIPS 140-3 compliance helps differentiate SEALSQ in the security semiconductor space. The certification's emphasis on physical security and tamper resistance aligns with growing concerns about hardware-level vulnerabilities in connected systems. Particularly as IoT deployments scale and become more critical to infrastructure, demand for hardware security is likely to accelerate.
While the press release doesn't provide specific revenue projections tied to this certification milestone, it represents progress in SEALSQ's strategy to address high-value, security-sensitive market segments. The certification enhances their credibility with security-conscious customers and potentially opens procurement opportunities where FIPS compliance is a prerequisite.
Geneva, Switzerland, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, today announced a groundbreaking development in the field of network security. As per the UL Labs report, VaultIC 408 meets FIPS 140-3 requirements, advances NIST certification and strengthens SEALSQ’s leadership in secure IoT and smart grid solutions.
SEALSQ’s VaultIC 408 Secure Microcontroller (Module Name: VaultIC408 1.2.4, Hardware Version: AT90SO28RS rev A, Firmware Version: 1.2.4.1) has successfully passed NIST FIPS 140-3 testing at Security Level 3 (overall), as confirmed by a Validation Test Report submitted by UL Verification Services Inc. to the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP). The module’s status is listed on the CMVP Modules In Process List at https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cryptographic-module-validation-program/modules-in-process. This milestone reinforces SEALSQ’s leadership in delivering high-security hardware for Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, Smart Grid infrastructure, and other critical applications.
Note: The Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) Modules In Process and Implementation Under Test (IUT) Lists are provided for information purposes only. Participation on the list is voluntary and is a joint decision by the vendor and Cryptographic Security and Testing (CST) laboratory. Modules are listed alphabetically by vendor name. Posting on the list does not imply guarantee of final validation.
The VaultIC 408 is a state-of-the-art secure microcontroller designed to safeguard connected devices against advanced cyber threats. It integrates hardware-based encryption, authentication, and key management within a tamper-resistant secure element, ensuring robust data integrity and device security. Optimized for IoT and Smart Grid applications, the VaultIC 408 supports low-power, compact designs for smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare, automotive, and digital identity solutions. It secures millions of smart grid hubs for renown device makers supplying for instance the UK’s Smart Metering Implementation Programme (SMIP) and is also deployed in smart locks, drones, and satellite IoT platforms.
“UL Labs’ report regarding VaultIC 408’s FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance validates SEALSQ’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge secure semiconductors,” said Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ. “This achievement strengthens our ability to provide trusted solutions for global IoT and critical infrastructure markets.”
The NIST FIPS 140-3 standard is the global benchmark for cryptographic module security, surpassing FIPS 140-2 with stricter requirements for algorithms, physical security, and operational resilience. It is mandated for U.S. federal agencies and widely adopted in energy, healthcare, defense, and financial sectors []. UL Labs, accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) under Lab Code 100432-0, conducted rigorous testing to ensure compliance. The submitted Validation Test Report positions the VaultIC 408 for final NIST CMVP certification, expected in the coming months, enhancing its credibility for regulated markets.
This inclusion reinforces SEALSQ’s position and strategic advancements in the IoT market projected to reach
For more information on the VaultIC 408, visit www.sealsq.com or contact investor@sealsq.com.
About SEALSQ:
SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.
SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.
For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipates will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC.
SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
| SEALSQ Corp. Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@sealsq.com | SEALSQ Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@equityny.com |
FAQ
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