Framework for Collaborative Simulation Security

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) proposes to design enhancements to the TACTICS infrastructure for distributed simulations to meet requirements for information security. The design will use security services offered by a new breed of Object Request Brokers (ORBS) that meet the CORBA Security Service Specification. The design will, at a minimum, provide three forms of security for TACTICS simulation users: (1) identification and authentication of all simulation users, (2) integrity and confidentiality of all simulation data, and (3) audit of all simulation activity. Support for other forms of security (e.g., access control, non-repudiation, availability, time service, secret sharing target authentication) will be considered, based on anticipated uses of TACTICS-based simulations. Information will be solicited from ORB vendors regarding capabilities of current and future secure ORB implementations in order to determine or estimate their adequacy and to influence the design. The design will facilitate a phased implementation plan that leverages initial secure ORB capabilities while leaving room for incorporation of future advances in the implementation of secure ORBS. BENEFITS: The results of this work will promote common simulation capabilities across military and industry by providing a secure environment for simulation activities. This secure simulation environment is applicable to highly competitive industries, such as the automotive industry, which require (and that frequently undertake joint ventures in) design, development, and manufacturing, but wish to maintain competitive advantages within individual companies.