Thales has launched a new report outlining how communications devices – such as those used by the police, private security and the military – could operate securely over mobile phone networks. Doing so would provide near universal range for secure communications.
The paper explains the strengths and weaknesses of various existing communication approaches, including walkie talkies, trunked PMR, and mobile networks. The former two offer security but limited range and require costly infrastructure to extend the range. Mobile networks offer extensive range but do not meet security requirements for high-security industries.
The proposed solution relates to modern encryption technology, which makes encrypting and decrypting voice data easily manageable within the device. The principle is similar to the way that emails can be secured over the internet by encrypting them between the sender and recipient.
When public infrastructure is needed to extend coverage, radios can link to an IP network such as LTE, 3G, or Wi-Fi. Voice data can be encrypted by the radio prior to being sent to the IP network and decrypted by other radios connected to the IP network once received, thus ensuring it is secured end-to-end.
To ensure trust in such a system, encryption must be implemented according to a recognised international standard such as The Advanced Encryption Standard AES, which is used by the US government.
Interested parties can download the whitepaper from the Thales Cougar Team Radio site here.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.
Thales UK employs 7,500 staff based at 35 locations. In 2013 Thales UK’s revenues were around £1.3 billion.
Thales develops military command information and intelligence systems, homeland security systems (ID management and border surveillance systems, etc.) and urban security and critical infrastructure security systems (for airports, sensitive sites and energy installations). These solutions support quick decision-making, providing users with clear, relevant and immediate information about their environment.
