Ciphertex Data Security
Ciphertex Data Security is a US-based manufacturer of FIPS 140-2 Level 3 encrypted NAS storage systems. It sells SecureNAS portable and rackmount servers, plus the proprietary RhinOS software, to military, federal, healthcare, forensics, legal, and enterprise clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersChatsworth, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Ciphertex Data Security does
Ciphertex Data Security is a privately held US manufacturer of encrypted network-attached storage (NAS) systems headquartered in Chatsworth, California. Founded and led by CEO Jerry Kaner, the company designs, produces, and tests its SecureNAS product line entirely at its Los Angeles facility, holding AS9100D with ISO 9001:2015 certification. The portfolio spans portable NAS units (CX-40K through CX-160K series, 16TB to 480TB), encrypted pocket drives (CX-2500E), JBOD expansion units, and AI-ready rackmount servers (CX-12RNVMe, CX-24RNVMe, CX-1000K-RE, CX-2400K-RE, 150TB to 1.44PB). All systems ship with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 hardware encryption via Ciphertex Protect keys and run the proprietary RhinOS operating system (ZFS-based) at no license or renewal cost.
The core technology stack combines ZFS data integrity (RAIDZ1/2/3, snapshots, replication), NIST 800-88-compliant Instant Secure Erase, AMD EPYC processors, NVIDIA GPU options for AI workloads, and TLS 1.3 / IP whitelisting / role-based access controls. Ciphertex holds FIPS 140-2 Level 3, HIPAA, NIST 800-88, GSA Schedule 70, FCC/CE/UL, and Military Environmental Lab Testing certifications, enabling procurement by federal agencies and regulated industries.
Ciphertex sells exclusively through quote-based enterprise field sales and a global reseller/partner program, with international distributors extending reach to 100+ countries. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, Department of the Navy, NASA, DHS, Treasury, Bank of America, Oracle, Warner Bros., Cerner, and named forensics/law/media firms. Revenue is hardware-driven (one-time purchases with optional extended warranty and field service), with no recurring software fees since RhinOS is bundled free. Vertical segmentation spans military/federal, healthcare, forensics, legal, media & entertainment, higher education, energy/oil & gas, and financial services, with portable units engineered for rugged field use and rackmount units positioned for data center and AI workloads.
Ciphertex Data Security firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ciphertex Data Security
- Legal name
- Ciphertex Data Security
- Website
- https://ciphertex.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Ciphertex Data Security is a US-based manufacturer of FIPS 140-2 Level 3 encrypted NAS storage systems. It sells SecureNAS portable and rackmount servers, plus the proprietary RhinOS software, to military, federal, healthcare, forensics, legal, and enterprise clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ciphertex Data Security industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Encrypted Network Attached Storage (NAS) Hardware
- NAICS
- Computer Storage Device Manufacturing (334112)
- SIC
- Computer Storage Devices (3572)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Storage Security & Encryption Hardware (SEDs, Key Managers, HSM-Backed Storage) (HDACACAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Secure/Encrypted & Rugged Portable Storage (HDACAIAI), Encryption (Data-at-Rest / In-Transit / In-Use) (HDADAFAB), Confidential Computing & Hardware-backed Protection (TEE/HSM) (HDADAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Ciphertex Data Security is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chatsworth
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ciphertex Data Security business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- SecureNAS Hardware Systems: Ciphertex generates primary revenue from the sale of SecureNAS portable NAS servers, rackmount encrypted servers, JBOD expansion units, and pocket drives. These are one-time hardware purchases with no annual license fees for the included RhinOS software. Products are customizable to customer specifications.
- Accessories and Add-ons: Revenue from sale of accessories including Ciphertex Protect encryption keys, hard transport cases, network cables, transceivers, storage drives (Western Digital Ultrastar, SATA SSDs), door lock keys, and expansion components.
- Warranty and Field Service Extensions: Standard 3-year warranty included; extended 5-year warranty and field service warranties at various response levels are optionally available for additional cost.
- Enterprise Custom Configuration Services: Custom engineering of SecureNAS systems to meet specific operational, security, and compliance requirements for enterprise and government customers, including GPU acceleration options and specialized network configurations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-40KHD - Portable NAS (HDD) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-40KSSD - Portable NAS (SSD) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-80KSSD-X - Portable NAS (SSD) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-120KSSD-X - Portable NAS (SSD) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-140KNVMe - Portable NAS (NVMe) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-160KSSD-X - Portable NAS (SSD) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | AI-Ready CX-12RNVMe Encrypted Server |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-1000K-RE NVMe Encrypted Server |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SecureNAS CX-2400K-RE NVMe Encrypted Server |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | RhinOS Software (Bundled with all SecureNAS) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Ciphertex Data Security product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ciphertex Data Security designs, manufactures, and sells the SecureNAS® line of encrypted portable and rackmount NAS (Network Attached Storage) hardware systems featuring FIPS 140-2 Level 3 hardware-based encryption, proprietary RhinOS software, and ZFS storage architecture. The company also offers rackmount encrypted servers for AI/data-center workloads, JBOD expansion units, an encrypted pocket drive, and Ciphertex Protect® hardware encryption keys, sold via enterprise direct sales, resellers, and international distributors.
Product overview
Ciphertex Data Security offers SecureNAS® as its core product line—a portfolio of customizable portable and rackmount encrypted NAS storage solutions featuring proprietary RhinOS software and hardware-based FIPS 140-2 Level 3 encryption. The portfolio spans portable NAS servers (CX-40K through CX-160K series) with capacities from 16TB to 480TB, pocket drives (CX-2500E), JBOD expansion units (4-bay and 8-bay), and AI-ready rackmount servers (CX-12RNVMe, CX-24RNVMe, CX-1000K-RE, CX-2400K-RE) supporting 150TB to 1.44PB. All systems share Ciphertex Protect® hardware encryption keys and RhinOS software, with portable units designed for rugged field use and rackmount units optimized for data center and AI workloads.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SecureNAS: Encrypted portable NAS server product line featuring various models (CX-40K, CX-80K, CX-120K, CX-160K series) with different storage capacities and form factors for secure data storage
- RhinOS
- Ciphertex Protect
- CiphertexOS
- Quick-Link
Products and services
- SecureNAS® CX-40KHD Rugged portable NAS server with hardware encryption supporting 16TB to 88TB HDD capacity, designed for secure data storage in field and tactical environments.
- SecureNAS® CX-40KSSD Portable NAS storage server with hardware encryption supporting 8TB to 120TB SSD capacity for high-performance secure data storage.
- SecureNAS® CX-80KSSD Portable NAS storage server with hardware encryption supporting 15TB to 64TB SSD capacity for secure enterprise data storage.
- SecureNAS® CX-80KHD-X Portable NAS storage server with hardware encryption supporting 64TB to 176TB HDD capacity in a rugged enclosure.
- SecureNAS® CX-80KSSD-X Portable NAS storage server with hardware encryption supporting 30TB to 240TB SSD capacity in a rugged enclosure.
- SecureNAS® CX-120KSSD-X Portable NAS storage server with hardware encryption supporting 255TB to 272TB SSD capacity for enterprise secure data storage.
- SecureNAS® CX-120KHSD-X Hybrid HDD/SSD portable NAS with hardware encryption supporting 191TB to 206TB capacity for versatile secure storage.
- SecureNAS® CX-140KNVMe High-performance portable NAS with NVMe storage supporting 105TB to 420TB capacity for demanding workloads.
- SecureNAS® CX-160KHD-X High-capacity portable NAS with hardware encryption supporting 128TB to 352TB HDD capacity.
- SecureNAS® CX-160KSSD-X Highest-capacity portable NAS with hardware encryption supporting 60TB to 480TB SSD capacity for maximum secure storage.
- CX-2500E Pocket Drive Encrypted portable pocket single-drive SSD with 2TB to 8TB capacity for compact secure data transport.
- SecureNAS® CX-1000K-RE NVMe Encrypted Server 1U rackmount encrypted server with NVMe storage supporting 150TB to 300TB capacity, AMD EPYC processor, and FIPS 140-2 Level 3 encryption.
- SecureNAS® CX-2400K-RE NVMe Encrypted Server 2U rackmount encrypted server with NVMe storage supporting 360TB to 737TB capacity, AMD EPYC processor, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 encryption, and optional GPU acceleration.
- SecureNAS® CX-2400K-R NVMe FIPS Server FIPS-compliant 2U rackmount encrypted server with NVMe storage supporting 360TB to 737TB capacity for regulated environments.
- AI-Ready CX-12RNVMe Encrypted Server 1U rackmount AI-ready encrypted server with NVMe storage supporting 180TB to 720TB capacity, powered by AMD EPYC 9254 with up to 3TB DDR5 memory; carries NVIDIA GPU technology.
- AI-Ready CX-24RNVMe Encrypted Server 2U rackmount AI-ready encrypted server with NVMe storage supporting 360TB to 1.44PB capacity for enterprise data centers; carries NVIDIA GPU technology.
- CX-40KHD JBOD (4-Bay) Expansion Unit JBOD expansion unit with 4 hot-swap bays supporting up to 88TB HDD storage for NAS capacity expansion.
- CX-80KHD JBOD (8-Bay) Expansion Unit JBOD expansion unit with 8 hot-swap bays supporting up to 176TB HDD storage for NAS capacity expansion.
- Ciphertex Protect® Hardware Encryption Key FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified hardware encryption key for SecureNAS systems, providing hardware-rooted authentication via USB-C with required 8-digit code entry.
- RhinOS® Enterprise NAS Software (CiphertexOS) Proprietary security-enhanced embedded operating system pre-installed on all SecureNAS systems, featuring OpenZFS, automated backup, migration, TLS encryption, IP whitelisting, role-based access controls, Docker/Kubernetes support, and RAIDZ configuration; provided free with no license or renewal fees.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 480TB storage capacity in a portable form factor (CX-160KSSD-X)
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Ciphertex Data Security
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Ciphertex Data Security technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature8 records
Ciphertex Data Security partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- NVIDIAcoreNVIDIA provides GPU technology integrated into Ciphertex AI-ready encrypted servers. Ciphertex AI-ready rackmount systems support NVIDIA RTX and L-Series GPU options for AI inference and analytics workloads, providing GPU acceleration for AI pipelines and high-performance computing. All NVMe servers carry NVIDIA technology.
- AMDcoreAMD EPYC processors power Ciphertex SecureNAS servers. CX-2400K-RE uses AMD EPYC 7443P 24-core; CX-1000K-RE uses AMD EPYC 7313P 16-core; AI-Ready CX-12RNVMe uses AMD EPYC 9254 24-core. AMD's 7nm energy-efficient SoC architecture enables high-performance compute in encrypted storage systems.
- Microchip TechnologycoreMicrochip provides data encryption solutions integrated into Ciphertex SecureNAS systems. Microchip's encryption technology contributes to the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified hardware encryption engine.
- SeagatecoreSeagate provides HDD storage solutions integrated into Ciphertex SecureNAS portable NAS systems. Ciphertex offers customizable HDD configurations up to large capacities across various models.
- Western DigitalcoreWestern Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 drives are available as storage options in Ciphertex SecureNAS systems. Western Digital provides enterprise HDD storage for high-capacity data storage configurations.
- IntelcoreIntel provides processor and networking technology integrated into Ciphertex SecureNAS systems, contributing to enterprise performance capabilities.
- Micron TechnologycoreMicron provides memory solutions integrated into Ciphertex SecureNAS encrypted servers, supporting enterprise-class DDR memory configurations for high-performance workloads.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft technology partnerships enable Ciphertex SecureNAS integration with Windows environments and enterprise IT infrastructure. Quick-Link technology supports networking with Windows-based computers.
- BroadcomcoreBroadcom provides networking and connectivity technology integrated into Ciphertex SecureNAS systems, supporting high-speed Ethernet and network interface capabilities.
- VeeamcoreVeeam provides data backup and recovery software integration with Ciphertex SecureNAS systems, enabling enterprise-class data protection, backup, and disaster recovery workflows.
- ATPGOV & Ace Technology PartnerscoreATPGOV and Ace Technology Partners serve as channel partners and resellers of Ciphertex SecureNAS solutions. Gary Mosso of ATPGOV & Ace Technology Partners led the partnership with Ciphertex to deliver encrypted storage solutions meeting United States Air Force stringent requirements, resulting in a volume order and successful deployment.
- NSF-ISRcoreNSF-ISR (NSF International Strategic Registrations) is the leading global certification body that conducted the rigorous assessment for Ciphertex's ISO 9001 and AS9100D certifications. NSF-ISR is accredited under the American Aerospace Quality Group Registration Management Committee.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Ciphertex Data Security competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- QNAP Systems: QNAP manufactures enterprise and SMB NAS, NVMe rackmount servers, and AI-ready storage appliances. Broad incumbent that overlaps with Ciphertex's rackmount encrypted server line, though QNAP's differentiator is breadth rather than FIPS-validated encryption.
- Synology: Synology is a leading general-purpose NAS vendor serving SMB and enterprise with rackmount and desktop NAS systems. Not primarily focused on FIPS hardware encryption, but competes with Ciphertex's rackmount NAS line on enterprise storage buying decisions.
- NetApp: NetApp is a major enterprise storage vendor offering ONTAP-based NAS, SAN, and hybrid cloud storage with encryption capabilities. Broad incumbent that competes with Ciphertex's rackmount line for enterprise and federal data center storage budgets.
- Dell Technologies (PowerScale): Dell PowerScale (formerly Isilon) is a leading enterprise scale-out NAS platform with self-encrypting drive options, competing with Ciphertex's rackmount line for large enterprise and government storage procurements. Broad incumbent with significantly greater scale and broader software portfolio.
Direct peers
- Kingston Technology (IronKey): Kingston's IronKey brand offers FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified encrypted USB drives and portable SSDs, targeting the same government, defense, and enterprise buyers as Ciphertex's portable encrypted storage line. Scaled manufacturer with overlapping secure-removable-storage product category.
- DataLocker: DataLocker offers encrypted USB drives, external SSDs, and Sentry hardware-encrypted storage with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification. Direct competitor in the encrypted portable storage segment serving government, defense, healthcare, and enterprise.
- Kanguru Solutions: Kanguru Solutions produces FIPS 140-2 validated encrypted USB drives, SSDs, and secure storage devices targeting federal agencies, defense, and regulated industries. Comparable to Ciphertex in the encrypted portable storage category with similar government buyer focus.
- Apricorn: Apricorn manufactures hardware-encrypted USB drives, SSDs, and portable storage with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation. Direct competitor to Ciphertex's portable SecureNAS and CX-2500E pocket drive line in the government/defense and regulated enterprise segment.
- iStorage: iStorage produces hardware-encrypted portable drives, SSDs, and diskAshur products with PIN-authenticated security. Direct peer in encrypted portable storage for government, defense, and enterprise buyers requiring FIPS-validated hardware.
- Rocstor: Rocstor manufactures encrypted external drives, rugged portable SSDs, and secure storage solutions for defense, government, healthcare, and media. Direct peer in hardware-encrypted rugged portable storage with overlap on Ciphertex's military-grade portable NAS use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ciphertex Data Security social profiles
Digital presenceCiphertex Data Security compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Ciphertex Data Security financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ciphertex Data Security leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Ciphertex Data Security funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ciphertex Data Security M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ciphertex Data Security
What does Ciphertex Data Security do?
Ciphertex Data Security designs, manufactures, and sells the SecureNAS® line of encrypted portable and rackmount NAS (Network Attached Storage) hardware systems featuring FIPS 140-2 Level 3 hardware-based encryption, proprietary RhinOS software, and ZFS storage architecture. The company also offers rackmount encrypted servers for AI/data-center workloads, JBOD expansion units, an encrypted pocket drive, and Ciphertex Protect® hardware encryption keys, sold via enterprise direct sales, resellers, and international distributors.
Is Ciphertex Data Security a public or private company?
Ciphertex Data Security is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Ciphertex Data Security founded?
Ciphertex Data Security was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Ciphertex Data Security based?
Ciphertex Data Security is headquartered in Chatsworth, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ciphertex Data Security make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. SecureNAS Hardware Systems are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Add-ons, warranty and Field Service Extensions and enterprise Custom Configuration Services.
Who are Ciphertex Data Security's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are QNAP Systems, Synology, NetApp and Dell Technologies (PowerScale). Direct peers are Kingston Technology (IronKey), DataLocker, Kanguru Solutions, Apricorn, iStorage and Rocstor.
Does Ciphertex Data Security have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ciphertex Data Security.
What industry is Ciphertex Data Security in?
Ciphertex Data Security's product category is Encrypted Network Attached Storage (NAS) Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACACAL, Storage Security & Encryption Hardware (SEDs, Key Managers, HSM-Backed Storage), with a secondary code of HDACAIAI, Secure/Encrypted & Rugged Portable Storage. Its NAICS code is 334112 and its SIC code is 3572.