Information Protection Technology (IPT) to Safeguard Sensitive Data on Removable COTS Storage Media

The ability to safeguard the sensitive data and critical information being used throughout sophisticated MDA systems is of national importance. Tanner Research has developed and demonstrated at TRL-4 an innovative Information Protection Technology (IPT) suitable for use on removable COTS storage media, including micro-scale devices. Tanner's IPT has been evaluated by the USAF Information Warfare Battlelab and validated by the DoD Computer Forensics Lab as suitable for use in protecting sensitive information on airborne and ground-based assets. Tanner's IPT ensures that sensitive information in danger of being tactically compromised can be quickly and cost-effectively rendered safe from any unwanted exploitation. The Navy and the USAF funded the early development of this IPT in response to an international incident where only hand-tools were available for use by the aircrew in attempting prevent information on storage media from being exploited. Tanner Research is proposing in Phase I to mature the IPT and demonstrate the feasibility of deploying it in a relevant environment at TRL-5/6. A follow-on Phase II program will further mature the IPT to TRL-7/8 so as to meet the current and emerging needs of MDA vis-à-vis protecting sensitive information contained in distributed databases.