System-Aware Platform Targets Advanced Persistent, Insider and Supply Chain Attacks against Legacy and New Systems
Charlottesville, VA – February 11, 2015 – Mission Secure Inc. (MSi), a next-generation cyber defense technology and solutions provider announced today the beta release of its Secure Sentinel product platform and Cyber Assessment Methodology for early adopters in defense, energy and transportation. The announcement addresses Senator Edward J. Markey’s report, Tracking & Hacking: Security & Privacy Gaps Put American Drivers at Risk.
Over the last year MSi developed the Secure Sentinel platform, based on over four years of R&D by the University of Virginia with the U.S. Department of Defense. MSi’s Secure Sentinel is the only solution that monitors, detects, informs AND corrects against insider, supply chain interdiction and advance persistent cyber attacks. MSi’s platform can be deployed at low cost to enhance protections of most cyber physical systems, especially legacy systems, in defense, energy and transportation. The technology proved effective in overcoming cyber attacks in pilot studies involving autonomous air and ground vehicles.
As vehicles increasingly rely on automation, software, communication and technology enhancements to run core functions, the systems pose a safety risk when under cyber attack. Sen. Markey’s report highlights the fact that nearly 100 percent of vehicles on the market were unable to monitor, detect and report on hacking incidents and only two of the sixteen manufacturers described credible means of responding to a cyber attack in real time. MSi’s Secure Sentinel hardware-based solution provides the ability to monitor critical car systems, detect a cyber attack, immediately inform the driver and auto manufacturer, and most importantly to take corrective action in real-time automatically and/or guide the driver to the appropriate corrective action given the circumstances.
A recent 2014 pilot project for autonomous aerial vehicles demonstrated the Secure Sentinel’s capability to detect cyber attacks and take automated corrective action when navigation systems were compromised. Flight plans were restored and/or the plane returned to safety under pilot control.
Originally published February 11, 2015, updated November 23, 2020.
