LVC Cybersecurity Training

Modern network architectures are changing the way highly interactive applications such as those used to create the Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) training environment are designed, deployed, and delivered. Distributed training drives the requirement for a distributed technology approach enabled by Software Defined Networking (SDN) that capitalises on convergence of the networking functions (compute, store, and transport management) onto agile multi-role devices and the availability of distributed resources available with Virtual Machine (VM) technology.

Given the inherently interconnected and dynamically networked nature of LVC, there will be an increasing dependence on commercial technologies that will demand the highest levels of performance and cybersecurity. Cisco’s approach to SDN integrates Access Control functions at machine speed to support multi-participant and multi-classification environments, generates continuous management of Quality of Service, and provides real-time Performance Oversight. At the heart of the Cisco solution is an integrated Cybersecurity approach that integrates security with network operations, generating an intuitive mission fabric responding to threats with industry leading speed and effectiveness.

Cisco delivers effective cybersecurity solutions that provide integrated protection from the edge, throughout the network, in the data centre and in any cloud. Software defined policy orchestration, segmentation and use of artificial intelligence/machine learning to deliver automation where it counts allows you to understand what can be trusted and what risks are mitigated. An effective cybersecurity architecture allows limited personnel to focus on the most important tasks. Because of LVC’s dependence on networked connectivity across numerous remote sites and platforms, the network itself is the key to securing and defending the LVC environment. Cisco enables the network to sense network behaviour and dynamically enforce security policy with software-defined segmentation designed to reduce the overall attack surface and limit a potential adversary’s operational space. Cisco Segmentation can isolate and compartmentalize various parts of the network or data centre based on zero trust; only the connections you design in are allowed. Cisco enables switches, routers and wireless solutions to work together to allow the network to serve as a sensor grid and also serve as a security and policy enforcement mechanism.

Visibility is primary to cybersecurity. Detailed security analytics and contextual data policy, coupled with real-time monitoring and alerts, enable you to determine a normal baseline for the network and then provide the essential ability to detect malicious activities, abnormal data movements, suspicious traffic and advanced threats anywhere in the environment. Advanced threats will demand rapid discovery and identification of malicious behaviour on the LVC network.

This network-as-sensor approach leverages the capability network to segment and utilize identity services for enforcement of role-based, topology-independent and access-independent control. It also enables granular access control, allowing users to use only those network segments and resources that are appropriate for the context and user, device and location. An NSA-approved Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) capability powered by Cisco technology can protect classified or sensitive information and minimize the costs associated with Type I crypto.
Application Intelligence plays a key role in understanding normal behaviour in the LVC environment and provides deep insight into the applications’ end-user experiences. Cisco AppDynamics allows you to see an entire application in real-time as it responds to individual users and operates across the IT infrastructure. AppDynamics provides application intelligence in all phases of the application lifecycle – development, test and production.

In addition to advanced networking and security capabilities, Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS), provides a computing approach that simplifies your data centre architecture, reduces the number of devices needed and improves speed and agility. UCS enables a virtualized infrastructure that is fast, efficient, scalable and rapidly re-configurable to enhance LVC training operations.

Cisco solutions provide a powerful network foundation, a broad range of server capabilities, data visibility, analytical tools and voice/video collaboration and communications solutions to optimise training effectiveness.

I/ITSEC is showcasing the future of innovation across defences and www.monch.com/mpg/news/iitsec17.html brings together key developments from the show. For more information please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #12/2017, available on booth #257; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.

DPM