NSA Approves Wave Relay Devices for Secure Classified Communications
Persistent Systems, LLC has reached a significant milestone in mobile networking solutions by receiving approval from the National Security Agency (NSA) for its Wave Relay® devices. This validation allows these devices to operate as IPsec VPN Gateway and MACsec components, making them suitable for handling classified information securely. The integration of these devices in alignment with NSA-approved Capability Packages guarantees secure communication while providing an alternative to traditional Type 1 solutions. As a result, Persistent has become the first and only provider of Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) solutions listed on the NSA's Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Component List.
The shift in the Department of Defense's (DoD) strategy toward CSfC solutions represents a significant movement towards encouraging innovation and leveraging commercial technology for national security applications. The prominence of such solutions is underscored by the comments of Patrick Schneider, the Deputy Chief of Encryption Production and Solutions at NSA, who highlighted the impending end of the era of high-assurance products. According to Schneider, legacy Type 1 equipment, developed as far back as the 1950s, has become increasingly difficult to manage, upgrade, and deploy rapidly in response to modern threats.
"The challenges associated with traditional high-assurance products necessitate a fresh perspective on securing classified data," Schneider remarked at the recent CSfC conference. While acknowledging that the CSfC program does not replace Type 1 equipment, it provides an alternative that aligns with current technological and operational needs. For Persistent, achieving CSfC approval is pivotal in catering to the government's requirements and technology roadmap.
Leslie Hulser, the Executive Vice President at Persistent Systems, stressed the importance of the NSA's endorsement. "With CSfC approval, warfighters will have secure access to classified data even in collaboration with foreign partners," he explained. Given the potential need for agile communication capabilities in landscapes like the Indo-Pacific region, implementing effective solutions has never been more crucial.
In addition to CSfC approval, Persistent's solutions are recognized on the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) Product Compliant List (PCL), which signifies that the technology has undergone rigorous evaluation for security in government and defense settings. Hulser highlighted that NIAP certification is in adherence to a standardized framework acknowledged by 33 countries, thereby enhancing the global credibility of Persistent's offerings.
The underlying security architecture of Persistent's Wave Relay devices comprises MACsec and IPsec protocols, which are fundamental for ensuring secure connectivity. Furthermore, these encryption layers help meet the operational mandates associated with the CSfC framework, particularly concerning Multi-Site Connectivity and Tactical Capability packages. The company is also leveraging its Cloud Relay™ technology to enable secure communications across diverse transport technologies, including 5G Cellular and Starlink/SATCOM.
James Harrison, Principal Product Security Engineer at Persistent, expressed that addressing the complexities associated with Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and cellular networks is fundamental for modern military operations. The dual-layer encryption verified by the NSA allows for confident communications over less secure channels, significantly reducing the burden on end-users regarding size, weight, power, and complexity.
Moreover, the recent listing on the CSfC Components List facilitates the creation of NSA-validated solutions by end-users and Trusted Integrators, enhancing collaborations across industries and ensuring a robust communications infrastructure that adapts to various mission requirements.
As a final note, the Wave Relay® Firmware 19.7.5.1 now includes Cloud Relay™ features at no extra cost, incorporating the approved CSfC and NIAP-certified modules directly into the devices, which showcases Persistent Systems' commitment to providing accessible secure communication solutions for military and governmental operations.
Persistent Systems, established in 2007, is a leader in defense technology, focusing on creating mobile networking solutions that support military, first responders, and government demands. With offices across various states in the U.S., Persistent continues to drive advancements in secure communication technologies, catering to the ever-evolving needs of modern warfare and crisis response.
The shift in the Department of Defense's (DoD) strategy toward CSfC solutions represents a significant movement towards encouraging innovation and leveraging commercial technology for national security applications. The prominence of such solutions is underscored by the comments of Patrick Schneider, the Deputy Chief of Encryption Production and Solutions at NSA, who highlighted the impending end of the era of high-assurance products. According to Schneider, legacy Type 1 equipment, developed as far back as the 1950s, has become increasingly difficult to manage, upgrade, and deploy rapidly in response to modern threats.
"The challenges associated with traditional high-assurance products necessitate a fresh perspective on securing classified data," Schneider remarked at the recent CSfC conference. While acknowledging that the CSfC program does not replace Type 1 equipment, it provides an alternative that aligns with current technological and operational needs. For Persistent, achieving CSfC approval is pivotal in catering to the government's requirements and technology roadmap.
Leslie Hulser, the Executive Vice President at Persistent Systems, stressed the importance of the NSA's endorsement. "With CSfC approval, warfighters will have secure access to classified data even in collaboration with foreign partners," he explained. Given the potential need for agile communication capabilities in landscapes like the Indo-Pacific region, implementing effective solutions has never been more crucial.
In addition to CSfC approval, Persistent's solutions are recognized on the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) Product Compliant List (PCL), which signifies that the technology has undergone rigorous evaluation for security in government and defense settings. Hulser highlighted that NIAP certification is in adherence to a standardized framework acknowledged by 33 countries, thereby enhancing the global credibility of Persistent's offerings.
The underlying security architecture of Persistent's Wave Relay devices comprises MACsec and IPsec protocols, which are fundamental for ensuring secure connectivity. Furthermore, these encryption layers help meet the operational mandates associated with the CSfC framework, particularly concerning Multi-Site Connectivity and Tactical Capability packages. The company is also leveraging its Cloud Relay™ technology to enable secure communications across diverse transport technologies, including 5G Cellular and Starlink/SATCOM.
James Harrison, Principal Product Security Engineer at Persistent, expressed that addressing the complexities associated with Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and cellular networks is fundamental for modern military operations. The dual-layer encryption verified by the NSA allows for confident communications over less secure channels, significantly reducing the burden on end-users regarding size, weight, power, and complexity.
Moreover, the recent listing on the CSfC Components List facilitates the creation of NSA-validated solutions by end-users and Trusted Integrators, enhancing collaborations across industries and ensuring a robust communications infrastructure that adapts to various mission requirements.
As a final note, the Wave Relay® Firmware 19.7.5.1 now includes Cloud Relay™ features at no extra cost, incorporating the approved CSfC and NIAP-certified modules directly into the devices, which showcases Persistent Systems' commitment to providing accessible secure communication solutions for military and governmental operations.
Persistent Systems, established in 2007, is a leader in defense technology, focusing on creating mobile networking solutions that support military, first responders, and government demands. With offices across various states in the U.S., Persistent continues to drive advancements in secure communication technologies, catering to the ever-evolving needs of modern warfare and crisis response.
Topics Business Technology）
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