What Cigent Technology does

Cigent Technology is a privately held US data-at-rest (DAR) security company founded (per firmographics and first disclosed funding round) in 2018 and headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. The company builds a layered DAR protection platform aligned with the NSA's Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Data-at-Rest Capability Package, combining AES-256 hardware full-drive encryption (HWFDE) on proprietary SSDs with separate software full-drive encryption (SWFDE) and pre-boot authentication (PBA), plus patented firmware-level verified data sanitization, hidden partitions, tamper-proof access logs, embedded AI monitoring, and quantum-resistant cryptography. Its certified product portfolio spans Cigent PBA, Cigent FDE, and four SSD lines — SSD Clients (M.2 2280/2230), SSD Enterprise (U.2/E3.S), SSD UxV (BGA, SD/MicroSD for unmanned vehicles), and SSD ICS (industrial control systems) — all validated under FIPS 140-2/140-3, NIAP Common Criteria, DISA approval, and CSfC DAR listings.

Cigent sells primarily to US federal defense, intelligence community, federal civilian, and defense industrial base customers, with additional commercial endpoint-data-protection offerings. The company earns revenue through (i) hardware sales of its proprietary encrypted SSDs, (ii) software licenses and subscriptions for FDE, PBA, and management consoles, (iii) custom solutions and professional services for specialized mission requirements, and (iv) channel revenue through OEM integrations with Dell, HP, Getac, Panasonic, and Lenovo ThinkShield, plus federal distributors (Carahsoft, immixGroup, TD SYNNEX) and federal system integrators (BAE, Booz Allen, Leidos, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman). Disclosed funding totals approximately $10.1 million across two rounds (2018 and 2020) from WestWave Capital, CyberJunction, and the strategic intelligence-community investor In-Q-Tel. Under leadership recruited largely from Dell (CEO Brett Hansen, 2025; CPTO Tom Ricoy) and a board including former NSA Signals Intelligence Director Teresa Shea, Cigent is positioned as a niche specialist serving regulated, classified DAR requirements rather than a broad-market endpoint-security vendor.

Name

Cigent Technology

Legal name

Cigent Technology, Inc.

Website

https://cigent.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cigent Technology builds CSfC-aligned, layered data-at-rest protection — hardware-encrypted SSDs, pre-boot authentication, and software full-drive encryption — for US federal defense, intelligence, and defense-industrial-base customers requiring validated classified-data security on edge devices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Hardware & Data Protection Software

NAICS

Computer Storage Device Manufacturing (334112), Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

Computer Storage Devices (3572)

akta.pro primary industry

Encryption (Data-at-Rest / In-Transit / In-Use) (HDADAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Secure/Encrypted & Rugged Portable Storage (HDACAIAI), Confidential Computing & Hardware-backed Protection (TEE/HSM) (HDADAFAJ), Data Access Governance & Entitlement Management (DSPM / CIEM-for-Data) (HDADAFAG), Security & Authentication ICs for Memory/Storage (Secure Controllers/Encryption) (HDAHAKAJ)

Keywords

• Data at rest protection
• Full drive encryption
• Pre-boot authentication
• Secure storage solutions
• Classified endpoint security

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Myers

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Secure SSD Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary hardware encrypted SSDs including M.2 2280, M.2 2230, U.2, E3.S, BGA, SD/MicroSD cards, and external encrypted drives. Hardware provides outer layer CSfC DAR protection with AES-256 hardware encryption and PBA.
2. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Software Full Drive Encryption (FDE), Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) software, and management console licensing. Includes per-seat or fleet-based subscription pricing for software solutions.
3. Custom Solutions and Professional Services: Custom data protection solution development for unique mission requirements. US-based software team provides custom projects including specialized form factors, embedded storage, and mission-specific configurations.
4. Channel/Partner Revenue: Revenue through OEM partnerships (Dell, HP, Getac, Panasonic, Lenovo) where Cigent technology is integrated into their secure storage configurations, and through federal distributors/resellers.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cigent sells CSfC-aligned Data-at-Rest (DAR) protection products combining AES-256 hardware-encrypted secure SSDs and NIAP-validated software (Pre-Boot Authentication and Software Full Drive Encryption) to deliver layered protection for classified and sensitive data on endpoints, servers, manned and unmanned vehicles, and industrial control systems. Offerings include proprietary firmware with verified data sanitization, quantum-resistant cryptography, embedded AI monitoring, and CLI-based fleet management for at-scale deployment.

Product overview

Cigent Technology offers a unified platform of secure storage solutions combining hardware encryption, software encryption, and pre-boot authentication for layered Data-at-Rest (DAR) protection aligned with NSA CSfC requirements. The product portfolio includes Cigent PBA (Pre-Boot Authentication) and Cigent FDE (Software Full Drive Encryption) as core software products forming the outer and inner protection layers respectively, complemented by a range of hardware SSDs including Cigent SSD Clients for PCs (M.2 2280/2230), Cigent SSD Enterprise for workstations and servers (U.2/E3.S), Cigent SSD UxV for unmanned vehicles, and Cigent SSD ICS for industrial control systems. Custom Solutions are available for unique mission requirements. The architecture provides defense-in-depth through independently validated encryption layers, with verified data sanitization capabilities across the entire product range.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cigent Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) Software product requiring users to authenticate before the operating system loads, keeping drives locked until authorized access is granted and serving as the outer protection layer in CSfC Data-at-Rest architectures with an OS-independent security environment. Built for federal defense, intelligence, and commercial enterprises needing CSfC-compliant DAR protection.
• Cigent Software Full Drive Encryption (FDE) Software Full Drive Encryption safeguarding sensitive data from power-off through system boot, providing the inner layer protection in CSfC DAR architecture with separate quantum-resistant AES 256-bit cryptographic libraries and distinct key management. Designed for federal agencies, defense contractors, and commercial enterprises that need layered CSfC-aligned encryption independent of hardware.
• Cigent Custom Solutions Tailored data protection solutions developed to meet unique mission requirements, leveraging Cigent's portfolio of secure storage technologies, hidden drives, embedded AI for data monitoring, and advanced firmware protections, delivered by a US-based software engineering team for specialized form factors, embedded storage, and mission-specific configurations.
• Cigent SSD Clients Secure SSDs for PCs and mobile workstations providing FIPS- and CSfC-aligned protection with AES-256 hardware full-drive encryption and pre-boot authentication, available in M.2 2280 and emerging M.2 2230 form factors. Targeted at federal endpoint users, defense contractors, and commercial enterprises requiring validated DAR protection on laptops and workstations.
• Cigent SSD Enterprise Enterprise storage SSDs with validated hardware encryption designed for scale, supporting RAID and multi-drive configurations. Aligned with FIPS 140-3 and CSfC for Data-at-Rest standards and available in U.2 and E3.S form factors for workstations and servers requiring secure storage at data-center scale.
• Cigent SSD UxV Mission-grade security SSDs for unmanned vehicles (UxV) including UAV, UGV, and USV platforms, providing CSfC DAR data protection with hardware encryption, Pre-Boot Authentication, and Software FDE. Available in Secure Drive 2230, BGA, SD, and MicroSD form factors with automotive temperature ratings for defense and intelligence unmanned platforms collecting sensor data, targeting imagery, communications, and telemetry.
• Cigent SSD ICS Secure storage for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) bringing CSfC DAR protections to industrial environments with hardware full-drive encryption, PBA, FDE, secure partitions, and verified sanitization, designed for legacy platforms needing protection for configuration data and operational logs without compromising uptime.

Quantifiable outcome

• Manual deployment of 1,000 devices = 167+ hours of administrative burden, demonstrating ROI of centralized deployment tools
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal system integrator partner providing research and development collaboration for defense data protection requirements and CSfC implementation.
• BAE SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor federal defense contractor and system integrator integrating Cigent secure storage into defense systems and solutions.
• Booz Allen HamiltoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFederal management consulting and defense solutions integrator offering Cigent data protection within their cybersecurity offerings.
• LeidoscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDefense, intelligence, and health IT solutions integrator incorporating Cigent secure storage in mission-critical systems.
• L3Harris TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAerospace and defense technology company integrating Cigent data protection into communications and sensor systems.
• Northrop GrummancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal defense and aerospace technology company incorporating Cigent secure storage in autonomous systems and defense platforms.
• Dell TechnologiescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOEM partner offering Cigent-validated secure storage configurations within Dell commercial and federal PC/workstation product lines.
• HP Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOEM partner providing Cigent secure storage options within HP commercial notebook and workstation configurations.
• GetaccoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOEM partner for ruggedized computing, integrating Cigent secure storage into field-deployable tactical systems.
• PanasoniccoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOEM partner for Toughbook and industrial computing systems, offering Cigent-validated secure storage configurations.
• CarahsoftcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremier federal distributor and reseller making Cigent solutions available through government contract vehicles including IT Schedule 70.
• immixGroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFederal technology reseller providing Cigent secure storage solutions to government customers through specialized contract vehicles.
• TD SYNNEXcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTechnology distributor offering Cigent products through extensive channel network reaching government resellers and integrators.
• DigistorcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic SSD partner with rigorous testing and joint development. Digistor SSDs incorporate Cigent firmware for CSfC DAR protection and are available through Cigent partner ecosystem.
• PhisoncoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to develop self-defending flash storage drives combining Phison NAND controllers with Cigent security firmware.
• Lenovo ThinkShieldcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCigent powers Lenovo ThinkShield data defense, providing enhanced data security for Lenovo commercial and ThinkPad enterprise devices.
• DoQuBizminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to set new standard for protecting highly sensitive documents and digital assets through combined document security and storage protection.
• Blueshift CybersecurityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry-first XDR service partnership combining zero-trust data protection with extended detection and response capabilities.
• KanguruminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint launch of self-encrypting secure SSD storage to stop ransomware and data theft for government and enterprise.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DIGISTOR: DIGISTOR supplies secure SSDs (Citadel C Series) with Cigent firmware integrated for CSfC DAR protection. It is a direct competitor-and-partner in the same secure-storage product category, serving federal and defense customers with similar hardware-encrypted drives.
• Apricorn: Apricorn manufactures hardware-encrypted USB drives, SSDs, and storage targeting government, defense, and healthcare customers with FIPS-validated solutions. Directly comparable to Cigent in hardware encryption, FIPS certification, and federal customer overlap.
• iStorage: iStorage produces PIN-authenticated, hardware-encrypted SSDs and USB drives sold into government and enterprise. Comparable to Cigent's secure-storage portfolio, with similar FIPS/GCHQ-validated encryption positioning.
• Kanguru: Kanguru offers hardware-encrypted USBs, SSDs, and secure storage with remote management for government and enterprise. Cigent and Kanguru have an active joint secure-SSD partnership, indicating direct category overlap.
• WinMagic: WinMagic's SecureDoc provides full-disk encryption software and pre-boot authentication for enterprise and government endpoints. Directly comparable to Cigent FDE and PBA in CSfC-style layered encryption architectures.
• SecureData: SecureData makes hardware-encrypted external drives, USBs, and secure storage products for government and regulated industries. Directly comparable to Cigent's secure SSD and removable-media business.

Broad incumbents

• Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems designs secure, ruggedized processing and storage subsystems for defense and intelligence platforms. Comparable to Cigent's defense-grade UxV and tactical secure-storage offering, but at much broader mission-systems scope.
• Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Curtiss-Wright supplies rugged, secure processing and data storage subsystems for naval, aerospace, and ground defense platforms. Comparable to Cigent's defense/UxV secure storage in customer base (DoD primes) and CSfC-aligned requirements, though broader in scope.
• Seagate Government Solutions: Seagate offers self-encrypting drives (SEDs) and FIPS-validated secure storage across enterprise, government, and defense. Comparable to Cigent's secure SSD business as a broad incumbent in certified storage, though not specialized in DAR-focused defense.
• Samsung Electronics (Secure SSD Line): Samsung produces hardware-encrypted SSDs (T7 Touch/T9 with AES-256) targeting enterprise and prosumer users. Comparable in encrypted-storage category, but Cigent differentiates with CSfC/NIAP validation and federal-grade PBA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CigentTech

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cigent Technology