On today’s battlefield, rapid and secure information transfer between defense systems is essential for effective and synergistic response. However, information must be restricted based on security classifications. This white paper outlines the need for cross-domain solutions, discusses current and future methodologies, including a DARPA project, and implementation challenges.
White paper Intro
Cross-domain solutions (CDS) are mechanisms for implementing appropriate transfers based on a defined security policy. For example, information with various security levels is commonly found within high-security systems; a CDS controls transfers to lower-security level systems, so that only approved information flows to the lower levels and restricted information is withheld.
Most current CDS use specialized software, and sometimes custom hardware, to enforce security-based transfer restrictions. They are often located in the middle of a network architecture, controlling information flows between systems. Reliance on software makes these CDS vulnerable to cyberattack, while the centralized model limits their usefulness with high-bandwidth, many-sensor data streams.
Fortunately, new CDS design concepts are emerging that will enable distributed, multi-domain architectures. The next generation of CDS will look very different, delivering more security, higher performance, and greater flexibility
