Veronica Martin caught up with Jean-Pierre Giacalone, Platform Architect at Secure Systems Research Council (SSRC), during GITEX 2024 to discuss what Zero Trust is and how it is used for search and rescue.
What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is a security principle where no system component is inherently trusted. In the scenario we presented, there are various elements involved—ground-based drones, flying drones, and even human participants in the mission. The core idea of Zero Trust is that each of these components is continuously verified by their own unique credentials, ensuring they cannot be impersonated or compromised by external actors. This constant verification is the foundation of Zero Trust security.
What platforms have implemented Zero Trust?
We apply the concept of Zero Trust across various components in different forms. For example, we implement Zero Trust for flight systems, including flight controllers, mission computers, and communication devices. Our communication solutions come in multiple forms—such as discrete communicators used by VIP protection teams and communication sleeves, which can integrate with standard phone lines. Regardless of the format, all these components are protected by the same Zero Trust principles, ensuring each element is continuously authenticated and secure within the system.
How is it used for search and rescue?
In this scenario, we deploy a network of nodes, which can include both humans and robots, working collaboratively to complete a specific task—such as searching for a missing person. Typically, we would send drones ahead to locate the target, and these drones might collaborate with ground-based drones to reach the destination.
Once the location is identified, human teams are brought in to perform the rescue. Since all the nodes in this system operate under Zero Trust principles, we ensure that no unauthorised entities can interfere with the mission. This prevents anyone from impersonating a team member or tampering with the nodes, safeguarding the integrity of the mission from potential threats or disruptions.
