Secure Data Module for Leave-Behind Applications

Securing the classified data stored, generated, and/or collected by unmanned systems is an especially challenging task given the simple fact that these systems have a high potential of ending up in the hands of adversaries. There have been a number of advancements in recent years such as remote and autonomous zeroization techniques. While these newer cryptographic devices are appropriate for use on large unmanned systems, their size, weight, and power (SWaP) make them unsuitable for use on smaller vehicles. To address this technology gap Toyon is proposing a standards-based solution that incorporates recent OEM NSA Type 1 encryption solutions housed in a conductively cooled, ruggedized enclosure with QUADRANT (anti-tamper) and TEMPEST protection features. In the Phase I contract of this proposed effort, Toyon developed a conceptual architecture for a low-SWaP, ruggedized system capable of NSA Type-1 certified Data-in-Transit and Data-at-Rest encryption and decryption for unattended applications. The Phase I analysis showed that through careful design choices, a Secure Data Module (SDM) can be realized that meets the program’s SWaP, security, and performance requirements. By leveraging existing NSA Type-1 GOTS cryptographic solutions for unattended operation, Toyon’s proposed SDM has the considerable advantage of not having to undergo NSA certification.