Assessing/instilling trustworthiness in tactical/sensing networks

Trusted Layered Sensing has evolved from an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiative to a vision now shared across government research agencies, industry, and academia. “Trust” is viewed as the most critical issue affecting Layered Sensing architectures since it\´s impossible to build Situational Awareness (SA) out of inaccurate, misleading, or denied information. Sensing systems (SS) consist of dispersed sensors/applications connected by a network enabling prompt and reliable data dissemination to often remote sites for analysis so decision makers can base their actions. Two widely accepted SA components are: 1. The Sensors which provide the "sensing" components and 2. Collaborative, advanced exploitation which provides comprehension (interpretation/ synthesis of data giving meaning in a situation), projection (prediction and simulation aimed at possible outcomes, future scenarios), and resolution (courses of action supporting decisions and planning) This covers the application aspects of SS but overlooks a critical component, the networks themselves. Commonly perpetrated attacks aim at gaining access to and disrupting networks\´ operation in order to intercept, tamper with, or deny the dissemination of information. Some attacks render networks useless by exploiting their vulnerabilities resulting in the loss of costly assets and even human casualties. Much research focuses on the forensic aspects of classifying threats and assessing damage after attacks have occurred, as documented by various taxonomies that categorize known network attacks. The value of this research is not being minimized, as it is essential in the quest for mechanisms to proactively recognize and combat threats. This paper discusses assessing/instilling trustworthiness in tactical/sensing networks, covers important issues related to the trustworthiness of currently deployed devices, describes our two-pronged approach aimed at 1) proactive defenses against threats and 2) e- - nhanced efficiency and resilience of operation, and highlights collaboration between networking elements as key to achieving these goals.