Draft 02 - Sep 1 2015
7-2
Viking Mobile Radio Operating Manual
Secure Communication (Encryption)
7.1.2
AES
An encryption standard called AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is replacing DES-
OFB encryption on digital (P25) channels. It uses a 256-bit encryption key instead of the
64-bit key used with DES. The type of encryption (DES or AES) is determined by the type
of encryption key that is loaded (see Section 7.2). AES encryption, like DES encryption, is
an optional radio feature that must be purchased and then enabled at the factory (or by a
factory-created option file).
7.1.3
ARC4
ARC4 (Alleged Rivest Cipher 4) software encryption uses software keys created in
Armada and is compatible with Motorola's ADP encryption. ARC4 software encryption is
an optional radio feature that must be purchased and then enabled by the EFJohnson
factory (or by a factory-created option file).
7.1.4
Encryption Available with Various Channel Types
Digital Channels
- On digital Project 25 and SMARTNET/Smart Zone channels, the
DES-OFB, AES-OFB, or ARC4 protocol is used.
7.1.5
FIPS and Non-FIPS Modes
FIPS 140-2 is a Federal Information Processing Standard for encrypted radios used by the
Federal Government. This standard specifies Federal security requirements for
cryptographic modules for a wide range of applications and environments. All Viking
models are FIPS certified.
7.1.6
Authentication without Encryption Options
This feature allows the Authentication features of the radio to be used without the AES or
DES options. The radio needs to be configured with the Authentication option to use the
Authentication features of the radio. With this feature addition the radio can perform all
the Authentication procedures without needing the AES/DES options.
