Security for Wireless Handheld Devices

The XPRT Solutions, Inc., New Jersey Institute Technology, and Network Security Solutions, Inc. (XNN) Team proposes to develop the Locally Enforced Global Trust (LEGT) tool. LEGT is a known-key authentication method using the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and X509 digital certificates, adapted for the Ad-Hoc environment, which we will apply to the Future Combat System (FCS) system. LEGT solves the challenging problem of provisioning strong authentication and trust in a MANET environment and represents the main thrust of this Phase II program. We propose to build the LEGT tool and test it against both generic Ad-Hoc and FCS type of networks. Furthermore, we propose to build a framework that allows additional authentication tools to be integrated with LEGT, all working in unison, the multiple independent modality for authentication (MIMA) facility. Several potential partners have expressed interest in commercializing this technology, e.g. ITT has expressed interest on applying LEGT to the SLICE or Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) - the soldier waveform that will be used in JTRS Cluster 5 in support of FCS. Northrop Grumman has expressed interest on applying this type of technology in support of major DOD programs, including the Warfighter Internet and the Net Centric Enterprise Services.