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Ruggedized computer systems
In the late 1990s, cipher machines and other dedicated cryptographic
devices were gradually phased out in favour of modern personal computers (PCs).
Today, most encryption systems are software based and run on standard PCs
or dedicated terminals. When used by the military, such PCs have to be
ruggedized in order to withstand the harsh circumstances in the battle field.
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Most, if not all, military PCs are based on Intel processors and are capable of
running popular operating systems, such as Windows, Linux and Unix.
Ruggedized PCs are often large and heavy, as they have to feature a
standard keyboard and a reasonably sized LCD screen.
Military PCs for portable and mobile (field) applications, however,
are often much smaller. Sometimes they are
small enough to be attached to a soldiers webbing.
On some machines, special provisions are present for the quick deletion of
cryptographic keys.
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Although most military-grade PCs have a high
TEMPEST,
they are by nature non-secure devices,
due to the fact that commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)
operating systems, such as Windows, are often used.
For COMSEC applications, an additional data encryption unit is often
required.
Furthermore, special measures should be taken to avoid
side channel leakage.
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© Copyright 2009-2013, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Friday, 20 July 2012 - 09:36 CET
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