KeyStation is an air-gapped cryptographic key management console being designed specifically for high-security environments where data protection is mission-critical. Unlike conventional key management solutions that require security to compete with usability, KeyStation aims to deliver secure operations through a streamlined touchscreen interface that enforces security protocols while allowing operators to keep their mind on-mission.

Being developed to meet rigorous government certification requirements including Common Criteria, NIST, and DoD RMF ATO standards, KeyStation is designed to physically isolate all cryptographic operations from networked systems. This approach creates a verifiable trust boundary intended to protect sensitive key material from both external threats and insider risks, while providing auditable, non-repudiable key handling operations that can satisfy strict regulatory compliance frameworks.

Targeting Security Certification Standards

We’re designing KeyStation with the following certification targets to enable deployment to controlled environments:

• FIPS 140-3 validation: Hardware-enforced security boundary with physical tampering protection
• Common Criteria+: Design with formal verification and vulnerability analysis
• NSA CSfC Components List: Designed for classified information systems
• DISA Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG): DoD-compliant configuration
• NIAP Protection Profile Compliance: Planned to meet Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) requirements

KeyStation is being engineered to integrate into existing security protocols with planned support for two-person integrity enforcement, key escrow management, hardware-backed physical keys, and comprehensive OPSEC audit trails suitable for stringent classified environments.

Quantum-Resistant Future Protection

Today’s encrypted data faces tomorrow’s quantum computing threat. KeyStation is being developed with quantum-resistant cryptographic operations using NIST-approved post-quantum algorithms (ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA), designed to protect sensitive information from future cryptographic vulnerabilities. The KeyStation design incorporates a tuned, multi-channel zener avalanche circuit intended to provide high-quality analog-derived quantum entropy for key generation that aims to meet NIST SP 800-90B equivalence for true random number generation.

The system’s planned dual-channel communication architecture (QR code and infrared) is designed to create redundant air-gapped pathways that ensure consistent key delivery even in TEMPEST or electromagnetically contested environments. This implementation follows approved key transport methodologies while addressing the vulnerabilities associated with networked key management systems.

Human-Centered Security Operations

Complex security often leads to workarounds that create vulnerabilities. KeyStation’s human-centered interface is being designed to eliminate this risk, with planned features including:

• Intuitive touchscreen operation requiring minimal training
• Step-by-step guided workflows for critical key operations
• Visual confirmation of security state and operations
• Self-contained operation requiring no external connections
• Tamper-evident physical design that reveals unauthorized access attempts

KeyStation’s interface is being developed in consultation with subject matter experts to ensure that operations remain straightforward even in high-pressure tactical situations, without compromising on security or compliance requirements.

Planned Integration With Existing Infrastructure

KeyStation is being designed to bridge the gap between classified networks without creating new vulnerabilities:

• Integration with HAIPE (High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor) devices
• Support for Simple Key Loader (SKL) compatible operations
• Cross-domain key transfer capabilities for air-gapped networks
• Support for MIL-STD-2525 and STANAG 5516 key formats
• Compatibility with NATO key management architectures
• Hardware security module (HSM) interoperability

The system’s modular, standards-based design approach is intended to allow for implementation within existing security architectures while enhancing protection through its air-gapped operation and quantum-resistant cryptography.

Comprehensive Key Management Lifecycle

KeyStation is being developed to handle the complete key lifecycle with military-grade security:

• Verifiable quantum-grade entropy for key generation
• Multi-person key ceremony support with role-based access control
• Secure split-knowledge key backup and recovery
• Key expiration and rotation enforcement
• Comprehensive audit logging with tamper-evident records
• Secure key destruction verification

Operations are intended to be logged with cryptographically signed records that can be exported through air-gapped channels for compliance documentation, providing provenance for all key material handled by the system.

Field-Deployable Security Design

Being engineered for varied operational environments, KeyStation was conceived to deliver consistent security whether deployed in a secure facility or in field operations:

• Ruggedized hardware targeting MIL-STD-810H compliance
• Battery operation for deployment in austere environments
• Planned operational temperature range from -20°C to +60°C
• Environmental sensors with automatic shutdown protection
• EMI/RFI shielding designed to comply with MIL-STD-461G
• Anti-tamper mechanisms with automated secure material disposal

KeyStation’s hardware roadmap includes options for challenging environments, with plans for reliability testing and environmental hardening intended to ensure mission-critical security operations can continue under the most challenging operational conditions.