Multiple levels of security in support of highly mobile tactical internets-ELB ACTD

Abstract

Tactical internets (TI) present security challenges both consistent with and simultaneously unique to terrestrial based networks. Few large-scale TI demonstrations have occurred where security was a primary concern, and fewer yet have achieved Classified Type 1 and Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) enclave connectivity to significant numbers of highly mobile Marine Corp squads, Army units, and ships at sea simultaneously. The Extending the Littoral Battlespace (ELB) Advanced Concept Technology Development (ACTD) demonstrated such a TI in 2001. ELB's overarching direction was to provide robust, reliable, and secure wireless, highly mobile TI. The TI focuses on providing a common tactical picture as well as other functions between shipboard command and control systems and the ground force end user, comprising Maine Corps and Army units. To meet the security challenges, ELB developed an unique security architecture and concepts to insure both data integrity and security. The security architecture included COTS and DoD type 1 wireless encryption, hardened Windows NT workstations, on-the-fly hard disk encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. This paper discusses the security concepts employed as a component of the ELB TI demonstration.