As adversaries develop new methods of attack, we invent new ways to protect. Here are some concepts we’re taking to cyber’s leading edge.
Space Cyber Test Range
Our PNT teams are working to create a simulated ecosystem depicting space assets in orbit. A digital twin can then be linked to a that system’s physical ground station and operations center or digital representations of those elements. This will accelerate threat detection and mitigation across the system lifecycle.
AI at the Edge
Advances in analytics and cloud capabilities enable AI to play an increasing role.
- AI can be applied at multiple points—to add insights during data ingestion, analysis, and dissemination.
- Applied at the edge, close to the device, AI enables immediate insights.
For example, “Ground stations can be upgraded to act as a smart sensor, ingesting and analyzing data as it streams in rather than sending low-level metrics to a data lake,” Steve says.
Smart systems will advance the mission as well as protect it. “WithAI at the point of the sensor, you can know you’re getting a valid signal. That would allow decisions to be made at the speed of the data—a major goal for JADC2,” he points out.
Integrating Systems Engineering, Cyber, and MBSE
“Traditional systems engineers envision separate tracks for systems engineering, MBSE, andcybersecurity. We integrate it all,” Steve says.
“Clients get an ‘aha!’ moment when we point out that the same documents can be used for all three tracks.” Conducting the activities concurrently delivers advantages such as:
- The digital model can be tested along with the built system.
- Threat analysis can be run earlier.
- Fewer documents are required.
- Development timelines are shortened.
“Creating a parallel path for systems integration, cyber, and MBSE truly gives the client a build that’s faster, cheaper, and better,” Steve says.