On the Relevance of IT Security in TDL

Abstract

Tactical Data Links (TDL) and Computer Science meet usually when it comes to interoperability andimplementation. However looking at it from an IT security perspective, some interesting issues occur. These become more relevant the more military hard-and software is built using commercial of the shelf (COTS) systems, that are usually implemented using standard Internet technology and software development patterns. This paper looks at Link 16, Link 11 and VMF security considerations and how compatible they are to current IT security standards. Typical security issues are discussed and concepts to mitigate them presented, which however need to be analysed for their suitability to TDL.