Considerations for a shipboard multilevel secure local area network

Abstract

This thesis investigates the possibility of implementing a multilevel secure local area network on a medium-sized ship. In particular it focuses on medium-sized ship communications suite connectivity to a GateGuard computer system, and then on incorporating systems that have been developed under the Navy's transition plan for the Defense Message System; specifically the Multilevel Mail Server being installed at Navy Telecommunications Centers. A review of data communications security considerations as well as DoD and Navy directives is provided for background on the accreditation requirements of multilevel secure systems. Additionally two commercially available products, the VERDIX Secure Local Area Network and Trusted Information Systems' XENIX trusted operating system arc reviewed and then shown how they could potentially be integrated into a shipboard local area network. A potential configuration is provided with recommendation for further studs of system application compatibility.