Communications security (COMSEC) is an important aspect for the military sector and essential for the soldier’s survival. Alongside cryptographic and physical aspects, the emission security of the communication devices used plays a central role. Electronic devices always emit electromagnetic waves which can be intercepted using special equipment to eavesdrop on the communication.
Measures according to TEMPEST (Telecommunications Electronics Materials Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions) are taken part of communication security for that reason. The various TEMPEST standards describe a wide range of aspects, such as distances to walls or to other wires as well as filters on cables.
KNDS Deutschland Mission Electronics has always applied suitable protection measures to its systems and solutions to protect users from unwanted listeners. At present, products of KNDS Deutschland Mission Electronics are certified according to NATO standard SDIP-27 (SECAN Doctrine and Information Publications) at level A-C where required by the customer. The respective level describes the zone which a potential attacker can break into and intercept communications.
The strictest standard is Level A, which corresponds to NATO Zone 0 and assumes that an attacker can advance up to one metre. For Level B (or NATO Zone 1), it is assumed that an attacker will not make it more than 20 metres of the equipment. Level C (NATO zone 2) sets the distance at 100 metres. Equivalent attenuation by building materials is permissible for levels B and C.