Securing network infrastructure prior to building occupancy

In recent conversations with network security managers, we heard concerns about securing networks in newly constructed buildings, even before the network is turned on. The issue is that in new construction the network infrastructure is installed well before the building is occupied. During this period of time, from construction to occupancy, a device could be placed on the network cabling that would go unnoticed and could be used in the future to tap the data transmissions once the network is operating.

By installing INTERCEPTOR at the same time the network is installed, information assurance managers can be confident that the network infrastructure will not been compromised prior to turning up the network. INTERCEPTOR monitors dark (inactive) fibers, and with its remote monitoring capabilities, appropriate personnel are immediately alerted to any tampering with the installed infrastructure.

Tests prove INTERCEPTOR drastically reduces cost of PDS deployment

To explore the full capabilities of the aforementioned patent, NIS engineers recently have confirmed through testing of a simulated network that a single INTERCEPTOR port can effectively secure at least 40 end user drops. This means that a 4-port INTERCEPTOR is capable of monitoring four separate circuits or zones serving up to 160 end-user connection points.

As a result, INTERCEPTOR, priced at approximately $22,000 GSA per unit, costs less than $150 per drop to deploy, exclusive of the cabling and, if required, the hardened PDS. In some cases, the Designated Approval Authority (DAA) will permit the use of INTERCEPTOR in combination with interlocking armored cable and eliminate the requirement for hardened PDS.

NIS awarded patent for PDS technology

NIS has been awarded a patent for dark fiber monitoring of optic cables and hub and spoke monitoring architecture. This technology enables INTERCEPTOR to uniquely use two or more dark fibers (spare, inactive) in a multi-fiber cable to protect the entire cable against intrusion. The patent also describes a technique to protect connectivity to multiple end users with a single port or zone.

Combined, these technologies make INTERCEPTOR the most cost effective PDS alternative available. (For more information, see the INTERCEPTOR Design Guide)

Rapid Increase of INTERCEPTOR Installations

The word is getting out … In 2010, NIS’ business grew by more than 5 times that of the year before! We want to thank our customers for contributing to our success!

Spring Conferences

NIS will be exhibiting at the Tactical C4 Conference April 19-21 in Atlanta and at DoDIIS May 1-5 in Detroit, MI.

INTERCEPTOR Well Received at COMSEC and IAE

Network Integrity Systems exhibited and discussed potential INTERCEPTOR applications with a number of military IA personnel at two recent conferences: the COMSEC Users Conference at Lackland AFB in February and the Information Assurance Expo (IAE) in Nashville in March. INTERCEPTOR was seen by attendees as a PDS solution that has the potential to change the way network security is handled. We demonstrated how INTERCEPTOR can be used in a point-to-multipoint architecture to allow high density, logically clustered groups of protected SIPR drops.

This results in cost reductions of 75% or greater when compared to legacy protection methods. In addition, without PDS to construct, secure network connections can be delivered in days instead of weeks. Since the secure network infrastructure is no longer obvious and the monitored cables therefore do not require human inspections to assure their security, the cables can be concealed above ceilings or below floors, improving facility aesthetics and enhanced security.