February 17, 2026

Thales Trusted Cyber Technologies (TCT), a trusted U.S. based source for cyber security solutions, and Virtru, the leader in data-centric security, today announced their partnership to deliver hardware-backed Zero Trust for classified data. Virtru Data Security Platform now integrates with Thales TCT’s Luna T-Series Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to deliver end-to-end data protection with hardware-backed key security. The integration ensures that the cryptographic keys used to encrypt/decrypt data are generated and protected within FIPS 140 Level 3 validated hardware—eliminating software key exposure while enabling secure collaboration across classification boundaries and coalition partners.

The integration supports ACP 240 Zero Trust Data Format (ZTDF), Intelligence Community metadata requirements (IC-EDH), and NATO interoperability standards (STANAG 5636). Agencies can enforce attribute-based access control (ABAC) policies using classification markings, releasability controls, and dissemination restrictions, with cryptographic key material maintained in hardware that meets the highest security certifications.

“Strong access controls alone aren’t enough—encrypted data ultimately depends on the security of its cryptographic keys.” says Bill Becker, Thales TCT’s Chief Technology Officer. “Software-based key storage leaves those keys vulnerable, which is why hardware-backed key protection is mandated for National Security Systems” says Becker.

Both Virtru and Thales TCT develop, manufacture, and support their solutions entirely within U.S. boundaries. Federal agencies can deploy a fully domestic solution for their most sensitive data protection requirements—meeting supply chain risk management mandates without compromise.

To learn more about the solution visit: thalestct.com/hardware-backed-zero-trust.

About Virtru

Virtru empowers organizations to unlock the power of data while maintaining control wherever it’s stored and shared. Trusted by over 6,000 organizations across the public and private sectors—including JPMorganChase, Equifax, Capital One, Salesforce, and the U.S. Department of Defense—Virtru’s Data Security Platform has created a new paradigm in data-centric security, where protection travels with the data itself rather than relying on traditional perimeter defenses. From global enterprises to national defense and intelligence agencies, Virtru’s award-winning solutions provide simple, powerful data-centric security, built on the Trusted Data Format (TDF), an open standard for data protection created by Virtru Co-Founder and Chief Architect Will Ackerly.

For more information, visit www.virtru.com

About Thales Trusted Cyber Technologies

Thales Trusted Cyber Technologies, a business area of Thales Defense & Security, Inc., protects the most vital data from the core to the cloud to the field. We serve as a trusted, U.S. based source for cyber security solutions for the U.S. Federal Government. Our solutions enable agencies to deploy a holistic data protection ecosystem where data and cryptographic keys are secured and managed, and access and distribution are controlled.

For more information, visit www.thalestct.com