As AI proliferates in tactical environments, agencies face new challenges in securing sensitive data.
Federal agencies and defense programs are rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency. However, as AI workloads become more embedded in devices deployed to the tactical edge – on unmanned vehicles, mobile command systems, or field-deployed laptops – the data residing on these devices is becoming both increasingly valuable and vulnerable.
The Edge Computing Shift: A Double-Edged Sword
This shift to edge computing is largely driven by security concerns. Sending sensitive mission data back to centralized cloud systems introduces unacceptable risks. Instead, agencies are pushing computing closer to the mission, where local data processing minimizes exposure through network transmissions. But this approach introduces a new challenge: securing mission-critical data at rest (DAR) on these distributed devices.
AI at the Edge: New Capabilities, Heightened Risks
AI-driven capabilities at the edge have revolutionized operations with real-time analytics, automated decision-making, and enhanced sensor processing. However, these advancements also heighten the risk associated with losing physical control of devices, unauthorized access, or insider threats. Attackers, aided by AI tools themselves, are exploiting vulnerabilities more effectively and quickly.
Beyond the Tactical Edge: Securing All Endpoints
These threats are not limited to traditional edge scenarios. Even devices within secure facilities – laptops, servers, and workstations – remain vulnerable. A misplaced device, a compromised insider, or a targeted intrusion can expose sensitive information, underscoring that comprehensive DAR protection is critical for all endpoints.
The NSA’s CSfC Mandate: A Blueprint for Data at Rest Security
Recognizing these challenges, the National Security Agency (NSA) has established the Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program. This program defines standards for securing classified data using commercial solutions. Specifically, CSfC for DAR requires agencies to implement two independent, certified encryption layers to secure sensitive information stored on devices that are powered down or in an unauthenticated state.
Two Layers Are Better Than One: The Dual-Encryption Model
The dual-layer model typically includes an outer encryption layer provided by hardware-based encryption solutions combined with Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA), alongside an inner layer consisting of approved Software Full Drive Encryption (SW FDE) protected by authentication. This layered approach significantly reduces the likelihood of compromise, even if one layer is breached.
Why Traditional Encryption Falls Short
Standard operating system (OS) encryption or standalone software encryption solutions often fall short against sophisticated adversaries. Attackers leverage advanced techniques – brute force attacks, firmware manipulation, hardware-level exploits, and side-channel attacks – to bypass conventional protections, often targeting credentials or encryption keys stored within the operating system.
Pre-Boot Authentication: Securing the Device Before the OS Loads
Implementing Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) alongside a Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) provides critical protection by securing devices before the operating system even loads. Because PBA operates independently of the OS, it cannot be bypassed by software vulnerabilities, zero-day exploits, or operating-system-level CVEs. Independent Common Criteria Testing Laboratories (CCTLs) rigorously test and validate PBAs against NIAP-defined security standards to ensure encryption and key management practices meet stringent federal cybersecurity demands.
SWFDE: Adding Another Layer of Protection
Deploying Software Full Drive Encryption (SWFDE) as a separate inner encryption layer interrupts the OS boot process, requiring independent authentication. Together, these two independent layers significantly reduce the attack surface compared to traditional OS-level encryption.
Cigent’s Solution: Mission-Ready Data Protection
Cigent offers federal agencies a full-stack, CSfC-aligned data protection solution. Rather than relying on OS-based encryption alone, Cigent’s approach leverages hardware-embedded security measures and dedicated software solutions that provide superior resilience against advanced threats. Cigent’s hardware and software solutions are NIAP-listed, NSA-approved, or undergoing rigorous validation in accredited testing labs.
Cigent’s Key Capabilities
- Hardware Full Drive Encryption (Outer Layer): Provides robust AES-256 encryption, securely managed independently of the operating system.
- Pre-Boot Authentication (Outer Layer): Ensures encrypted drives remain inaccessible until valid credentials are provided.
- Software Full Drive Encryption (Inner Layer): Delivers a secondary encryption layer requiring separate authentication.
- Enterprise Administration: Supports efficient deployment, configuration, and management across fleets of devices.
- Tamper-Resistant Security Controls: Protects data from cloning, unauthorized extraction, and wiping attempts.
- Verified Sanitization: Ensures data can be securely wiped, complying with end-of-life or emergency destruction requirements.
Trusted Across Federal Agencies
Cigent’s security solutions are widely deployed and trusted across numerous federal and defense programs, including the Department of Defense (DoD), intelligence community (IC), and federal civilian agencies.
Mission-Ready: Today and Tomorrow
The growth of AI-driven capabilities and the sensitivity of mission data demand a new standard for DAR protection. Federal agencies must adopt integrated solutions that offer security, compliance, and operational flexibility at scale. Cigent ensures mission data is protected at every stage, on every device, and in every environment.
