Prof. Katsaros was invited speaker in NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Greece Cyber Operations Seminar, which took place on December 15-16, 2020 by teleconference.

Title of presentation (attached file): Cyber-security threats and protection of C4ISR systems

Abstract: 

C4ISR stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, which refer to a range of integrated and interoperable systems and services for land-based, airborne and naval operations. C4ISR systems work in a multi-level security setting and they are expected to support the integration and interworking of a multitude of components, sensors, effectors, peripherals, on-board systems, in network-enabled operations environments. 

C4ISR system architectures are built on top of industry-standard interfaces (ethernet, video, CAN, USB and serial data) and open standards middleware technologies that enable a wide range of services, such as tactical (disruption-tolerant) voice and networking services, distribution of data and so on. 

In this presentation, we review the ever-growing threats and advanced protection means, including the post-quantum cryptography for public-key algorithms. Moreover, we outline the specific assurance requirements, in order to ensure a sufficient confidence that the system's security features are reliably implemented. For a classified C4ISR system architecture in active duty within NATO, it is expected to achieve a Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) 5+, i.e. semi-formally (or formally) designed (verified) and tested.