Security in military OSI networks

Abstract

Many military computer systems hold classified information and must be protected from attack. When connected to communications networks these computers will be exposed to potential threats from a very wide population, especially when the networks are interconnected to public switched networks. The technology to communicate with and gain access to these computers is now available in high street shops, and there is a growing band of expert 'hackers' who possess and share expert knowledge of computer systems in order to break in to computer systems for fun. Part of this work has been an extension of the OSI reference model to incorporate security features as a precursor to enhancing OSI protocols. The ultimate aim is to ensure that open systems can be made secure without deviating from published ISO standards.It has been shown that the ISO OSI security addendum to the reference model addresses all aspects of current military security policies where they impact on computer communications. It also addresses issues of concern which are not currently covered by national or NATO security policies.