#USA #Cybersecurity #Reston #SpiderOak #Blue UAS

SpiderOak Joins the Blue UAS Recognized Assessor Program

In a significant step forward for both national security and cybersecurity, SpiderOak, a prominent player in the field of zero-trust cybersecurity solutions for space and defense sectors, has been accepted into the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) Blue UAS Recognized Assessor Program. This designation allows SpiderOak to conduct critical evaluations of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) alongside their ground control components, ensuring they meet the baseline requirements set forth by the US Government under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Significance of the Blue UAS Assessor Role

By becoming a Recognized Assessor, SpiderOak solidifies its place at the forefront of cybersecurity innovations necessary for unmanned systems. This role underscores their extensive technical expertise and collaborative efforts with seasoned partners in the cybersecurity domain. Utilizing their recently established Tactical Edge Cyberservices, SpiderOak is set to provide comprehensive cybersecurity assessments that bolster the integrity and operational reliability of UAS platforms.

Kip Gering, CEO of SpiderOak, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the importance of ensuring cyber resilience for UAS technologies that are increasingly indispensable to contemporary military and operational strategies. Gering emphasizes that achieving robust cybersecurity for these platforms is now a mission-critical necessity rather than a mere option.

Partnership with Ridgeline International

To expand the scope of their services, SpiderOak has allied with Ridgeline International, a well-respected provider of cyber solutions. This partnership will enhance their capacity to perform thorough hardware penetration testing, reverse-engineering assessments, and detailed supply chain forensics to identify vulnerabilities stemming from overseas components. Such tasks form part of a comprehensive security evaluation aimed at securing the supply chain integrity of UAS systems.

Erik Wittreich, CEO of Ridgeline International, reiterated the importance of their collaboration, stating that their joint efforts contribute significantly to enhancing national security by ensuring UAS comply with the highest cybersecurity and data protection standards. By this means, they aim to protect US defense systems from increasingly sophisticated technical threats.

Advanced Cyber Threat Resilience Assessments

SpiderOak's Advanced Cyber Threat Resilience Assessments (ACTRA) will play a pivotal role in this initiative. These assessments are designed to provide a thorough understanding of vulnerabilities that might threaten military hardware and software. For the Blue UAS initiative, their evaluations will scrutinize hardware, firmware, software, supply chain authenticity, and component ownership structures. These measures are critical for compliance with standards such as NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, and Executive Order 14028, ensuring that stakeholders involved in defense strategies can deploy UAS capabilities with full confidence in their cybersecurity protections.

Facilitating Safe UAS Integration

The Recognized Assessor role is integral to the Blue UAS framework, which aims to streamline the certification process for UAS that are eligible for use by the US Government. SpiderOak's participation is expected to accelerate the vetting process, expanding access to compliant UAS platforms for a variety of defense missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. By leveraging their vast experience in cybersecurity relating to aerospace and space operations, SpiderOak is strategically positioned to enhance the integrity of crucial networks that oversee command, control, and telemetry associated with UAS operations in contested environments.

Conclusion

The Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS program is designed to elevate national security by facilitating the adoption of leading-edge commercial technologies across military operations. The recognition of SpiderOak as an official assessor on this initiative is a testament to their expertise in cybersecurity and their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s defense mechanisms against evolving cyber threats. As they continue to innovate and deliver best-in-class cybersecurity solutions, SpiderOak's role in this initiative is poised to have a lasting impact on the future of unmanned systems within the US Government.

For more information about SpiderOak and its services, visit SpiderOak's official website.