Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to a controller for managing sideband communications are described. A controller includes a front end portion, a central controller portion, a back end portion, and a management unit can manage a first type of memory device that operates according to a first set of timing characteristics and a second type of memory device that operates according to a second set of timing characteristics. The controller can provide an additional layer of encryption or decryption for sideband communications between the host and the memory devices connected to the controller. The front end portion receives sideband communications through an interface and is stored by a cache memory within the central controller portion which also comprises an auxiliary security component to encrypt the sideband communications. The back end portion provides a route to the memory devices and the management unit applies the encryption or decryption to the sideband communication.