The global Cipher Machine and Password Card market size was valued at US$ 2.29 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 4.18 billion by 2030, grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from 2023 to 2030. Cipher machines and password cards are hardware-based security solutions used for encryption and access control. They utilize cryptographic algorithms to convert plaintext data into ciphertext that is inaccessible without decryption keys. Cipher machines provide robust defense for data security while password cards enable multi-factor authentication. The rising instances of data breaches and cyberattacks globally are key factors driving the adoption of these solutions.
The Cipher Machine and Password Card Market is segmented by type, component, application, end-user and region. By component, the market is segmented into hardware, cards, drives and other hardware. The hardware segment accounts for the largest share owing to high demand for hardware security modules (HSMs) and hardware-based cipher machines among enterprises. HSMs enable cryptographic key management and accelerate encryption performance.
Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Regional Insights
- North America: This region has a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and advanced technologies. Accounting for over 38.5% of the market share in 2022. The demand for secure communication solutions like cipher machines might be driven by government agencies, military, and defense contractors. The adoption of password cards could be influenced by the popularity of cryptocurrencies and the awareness of digital security.
- Europe: Similar to North America, Europe places a high value on cybersecurity. Accounting for over 32.2% of the market share in 2022. The demand for both cipher machines and password cards could be present, driven by government organizations, financial institutions, and tech companies.
- Asia Pacific: Depending on the region within Asia, the market can vary significantly. accounting for over 32.2% of the market share in 2022. Technologically advanced countries like Japan and South Korea might have a higher demand for such security solutions. In emerging economies, there could be a growing interest in adopting these technologies as they develop their digital infrastructure.
Figure 1. Global Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Drivers:
- Security Concerns: Governments, military organizations, and industries dealing with sensitive information have an ongoing need for secure communication methods. Cipher machines provide a high level of encryption that can be difficult to break, making them essential for confidential communication.
- Cyber Threats: As cyber threats and attacks become more sophisticated, there's a constant need for advanced encryption technologies to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access. Cipher machines offer a robust defense against cyber threats.
- Regulatory Requirements: Some industries and government bodies are required by regulations to use specific encryption methods, including cipher machines, to ensure compliance and data protection.
- Long-Term Security: Cipher machines offer a level of security that is not dependent on software vulnerabilities or online vulnerabilities. This makes them attractive for scenarios where long-term security is crucial.
Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Opportunities:
- Modernization and Innovation: There might be opportunities to modernize traditional cipher machine technologies by integrating them with modern encryption methods, communication protocols, and user-friendly interfaces.
- IoT and Industrial Control Systems Security: As the Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial control systems become more prevalent, there's a growing need for secure communication between devices. Cipher machines could find applications in securing communication within these systems.
- Cross-Industry Adoption: While traditional cipher machines were used primarily by governments and military organizations, there might be opportunities to expand into other industries that require secure communication, such as healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure.
- Quantum Encryption: With the advancement of quantum computing, there's a need for encryption methods that can withstand quantum attacks. Cipher machines could evolve to incorporate quantum-resistant encryption algorithms.
Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Report Coverage
Report Coverage |
Details |
Base Year: |
2022 |
Market Size in 2023: |
US$ 2.29 Bn |
Historical Data for: |
2018 to 2021 |
Forecast Period: |
2023 - 2030 |
Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR: |
9% |
2030 Value Projection: |
US$ 4.18 Bn |
Geographies covered: |
- North America: U.S. and Canada
- Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America
- Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa: GCC Countries, Israel, South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa and Rest of Middle East
|
Segments covered: |
- By Type: Hardware, Software, Services
- By Component: Hardware, Cards, Drives, Other Hardware
- By Application: Disk Encryption, File/Folder Encryption, Database Encryption, Communication Encryption, Cloud Encryption, Others
- By End User: Aerospace and Defense, Government, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Retail, Healthcare, Others
- By Deployment Mode: On-premises, Cloud
|
Companies covered: |
KABA Group, Yubico, SecuGen Corporation, Anviz Global, Nitgen Co., Ltd., Integrated Biometrics, BIO-key International, Daon Inc., Suprema Inc., Integrated Biometrics, ASSA ABLOY, Dormakaba Holding, Allegion plc, HID Global Corporation, Gunnebo Security Group, IDenticard Systems, PrimeKey Solutions AB, Thales Group, Gemalto NV, NXP Semiconductors N.V.
|
Growth Drivers: |
- Security Concerns
- Cyber Threats
- Regulatory Requirements
- Long-Term Security
|
Restraints & Challenges: |
- Digital Encryption Advancements
- Physical Vulnerability
- User Education
|
Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Trends:
- Digital Encryption Dominance: The market for traditional cipher machines was declining due to the widespread adoption of digital encryption methods. Asymmetric and symmetric encryption algorithms, along with secure communication protocols, were becoming more prevalent for ensuring data privacy and security.
- Focus on Quantum-Safe Encryption: With the advancement of quantum computing, there was growing interest in developing encryption methods that could resist quantum attacks. This trend was likely to impact the evolution of cipher machine technologies.
- Cryptocurrency Adoption: The popularity of cryptocurrencies was driving the demand for secure storage solutions like password cards. Cryptocurrency holders were increasingly realizing the importance of offline backup methods for their private keys and recovery seeds.
- Digital Identity Management: The need for secure management of digital identities was growing, and password cards were positioned as a convenient and reliable solution for individuals to manage their various online accounts securely.
Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Restraints:
- Digital Encryption Advancements: The rapid advancement of digital encryption methods, including the development of strong encryption algorithms and secure communication protocols, was rendering traditional cipher machines less relevant for many modern applications.
- Physical Vulnerability: Password cards, being physical items, are susceptible to loss, theft, or damage. Users need to carefully store and protect these cards to avoid compromising their digital access.
- User Education: While password cards provide secure storage, users need to understand how to use them effectively and securely. Lack of awareness or improper usage could lead to unintended vulnerabilities.
Recent Developments
New product launches
- In March 2022, Thales launched CipherTrust Data Security Platform integrating HSMs and encryption key management. It enables multi-cloud data protection.
- In January 2021, Entrust launched nShield HSMs with post-quantum cryptography support to secure against quantum computing threats.
- In May 2020, WinMagic launched SecureDoc CloudVM encryption as a service solution to secure data across public clouds.
Acquisition and partnerships
- In September 2021, Thales acquired AppGate SASE platform including encryption capabilities for securing cloud access.
- In March 2022, DigiCert acquired encryption key management provider MIRACL providing tools for managing keys for blockchain applications.
- In January 2022, Fortanix partnered with IBM to integrate its Confidential Computing Manager with IBM Cloud.
Figure 2. Global Cipher Machine and Password Card Market Share (%), by Component, 2023

Top companies in Cipher Machine and Password Card Market
- KABA Group
- Yubico
- SecuGen Corporation
- Anviz Global
- Nitgen Co., Ltd.
- Integrated Biometrics
- BIO-key International
- Daon Inc.
- Suprema Inc.
- Integrated Biometrics
- ASSA ABLOY
- Dormakaba Holding
- Allegion plc
- HID Global Corporation
- Gunnebo Security Group
- IDenticard Systems
- PrimeKey Solutions AB
- Thales Group
- Gemalto NV
- NXP Semiconductors N.V.
*Definition: The Cipher Machine and Password Card Market encompasses hardware-based security solutions that utilize encryption and cryptographic techniques to secure sensitive data and provide access control functionalities. Cipher machines encrypt plaintext data into ciphertext using algorithms like AES, RSA, ECC that can only be decrypted via keys.