US Navy builds new virtual cyber test bed USS Secure to Protect Fleet Warships & Weapon Systems

: Posted On Sunday, 21 February 2016 10:04

Naval Forces News - USA

US Navy builds new virtual cyber test bed USS Secure to Protect Fleet Warships & Weapon Systems

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is leading the creation of a ship like no other - a virtual cyber testbed called USS Secure - in conjunction with three Navy system commands, cyber defense leaders, and experts from coast to coast.

Photo By: U.S. Navy interactive graphic

Moreover, the test bed is designed to make the Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) Warfare Centers' vision - turning ships into cybersafe warships - a reality.

"The Navy really needs USS Secure and this is the right way to go," NSWCDD Commanding Officer Capt. Brian Durant told USS Secure builders at a final planning conference here in January. "What you're doing today and what will be fleshed out and executed in the next few months will be briefed to senior Navy leadership."

In all, 28 cybersafe shipbuilders - from NAVSEA Warfare Centers at Dahlgren, Philadelphia, Corona, and Crane; Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Warfare Centers Lakehurst and Patuxent River; National Cyber Range, the Defense Department’s Test Resource Management Center, Joint Staff, and the Navy Red Team - are collaborating on an inaugural test exercise slated for March 2016.

The event will test USS Secure's ability to replicate a naval combatant in a system of systems environment. It will also determine the effectiveness of USS Secure's real and virtual systems to simulate live systems so the combatant's cyber defense capabilities can be evaluated without impacting real-time performance requirements.

“This test will give us a snapshot view of the existing interface configuration from the adversary point of view, specifically the Navy Information Operations Command Navy Red Team and the National Cyber Range Penetration Team,” said Dennis Schaeffer, NSWC Philadelphia cybersecurity systems engineer for hull, mechanical and electrical systems aboard Navy nuclear aircraft carriers. “The results of the exercise will provide input into our current plans for improving the defense of the system over time.”

Throughout the test, NAVSEA’s Integrated Warfare Systems Engineering Directorate will assess the adequacy of USS Secure to deliver an operationally realistic test bed for cyber certifications and future cybersafe test activities.

NAVAIR and NAVSEA officials anticipate that USS Secure will enable engineers to address cybersecurity holistically across the entire platform so that cybersecurity in the combat system extends to the hull, mechanical, electrical, and other enclaves.