Addressing Gaps at the Network Edge
Cyber has emerged as a new warfighting domain and the Department of Defense (DoD) is now considering cyber at the same level as traditional land, sea and air warfighting domain
Cybersecurity technologies of yesterday are too large and expensive to deploy, leaving tactical networks ill-equipped with the mobility and scalability needed in a cyber warfighting environment. Without the right technologies in place, soldiers’ views into the threat landscape can be restricted and even at times inaccurate, as real-time situational awareness of cyber threats is impaired.
A response to cybersecurity threats on the battlefield must come in real-time, as the difference between waiting hours and days versus seconds and minutes to respond could have dire consequences. Yet, the shortage of cyber specialists readily deployed and available in tactical environments makes real-time response difficult if not impossible. And even for tactical operators in the field, maintaining multiple systems can be overwhelming.
The electronic footprints of current tactical networks are often easy to discover, and the closeness of adversaries in battlefield environments makes it easier for communications to be intercepted, which is all the more heightened given how tactical networks are traditionally dispersed. Internal and external cyber threats at the edge of the network challenge DoD when it comes to rapid detection and response.
Providing a one-stop shop for commercial tactical encryption solutions utilizing Cisco components for tactical networks
PacStar 400-Series family of small communications modules is designed to maximum capabilities and configuration flexibility, with the smallest SWaP possible. Including routing, switching, advanced network services, cybersecurity and more – in lightweight packaging solutions designed with a wide variety of power options. PacStar 400-Series includes a comprehensive selection of Cisco technologies for use in tactical cybersecurity solutions including pre-deployed tactical cyber sensors or advanced threat hunting solutions.
PacStar Secure Wireless Command Post (Wi-Fi) is a small modular communications package that enables classified wireless and mobility for smartphones, tablets, and laptops in deployed, expeditionary and tactical environments. SWCP is an example solution providing extensive cybersecurity protection to tactical networks, utilizing Cisco technologies.
IQ-Core Network Communications Manager saves setup and configuration time, reduces errors and improves reliability of tactical networking solutions. It can overcome the added complexity and training burden imposed by network systems comprising multiple technologies. IQ-Core Software is optimized for Cisco technologies, with interoperability and extensive support for tactical and virtualized Cisco products.
Use Steathwatch to outsmart emerging threats with industry-leading machine learning and behavioral modeling. Detect advanced threats and respond to them quickly. Detect malicious patterns in encrypted traffic. Quickly detect zero-day malware, insider threats like command-and-control communications and data exfiltration, advanced persistent threats, and other sophisticated attacks. Store telemetry data for long periods. Use advanced analytics to conduct better investigations.
The Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance brings full ASA firewall and VPN capabilities to virtualized environments to help safeguard traffic. Provides security technologies popular in US DoD tactical networks, in a PacStar supported tactical package.
The Cisco 5921 Embedded Services Router (ESR) is designed to operate on small platforms. It extends the use of Cisco IOS into extremely mobile and portable communications systems. It also provides highly secure data, voice, and video communications to stationary and mobile network nodes across wired and wireless links.
Cisco ESR 5921 provides the same functionality as the hardware-based ESR 5915 – ensuring full interoperability and feature compatibility with the hardware ESR – but in a virtualized form factor.
