Multicast Security for Tactical Networks (MSEC-T)

The Army has identified the need for a technological capability to provide security to IPv6 multicast in tactical environments, as it seeks to employ IPv6 multicast to ensure efficient use of bandwidth-constrained tactical networks. During Phase I of this SBIR, Architecture Technology Corporation (ATC) defined an innovative technology called Multicast Security for Tactical Networks (MSEC-T) that will cost-effectively protect multicast group membership and multicast messaging in the tactical networks. MSEC-T represents a comprehensive solution to multicast security in the tactical networks, which includes a resilient and scalable group control and key management scheme for multicast group security and augmented countermeasures to defend against network-based attacks on IPv6 multicast. A practical and easily deployable solution for supporting tactical operations, the software-only technology will operate within existing network infrastructure, including COTS routers and HAIPE devices. Based on the confirmed feasibility, ATC will implement a full prototype of MSEC-T during the proposed Phase II effort to transition the technology to the field to enhance multicast security in the IPv6 tactical networks.