Andrew Portune
Nokomis, Inc., Pennsylvania, United States
Keywords: cyber-physical security, electronics, counterfeit detection, supply chain assurance, integrity verification
Defense systems are reliant upon electronics that, through obsolescence and technical advancements, are increasingly vulnerable. Counterfeit electronics threaten weapon platform integrity and cause sustainment cost escalation that is untenable. Maliciously modified components engineered by sophisticated adversaries can subvert weapons or cause leakage of critical information. Current methodologies for ensuring cyber-physical security are insufficient and incapable of addressing this threat. Nokomis has developed the Advanced Detection of Electronic Counterfeits (ADEC) technology to assure the integrity of critical electronics for weapons platforms. ADEC exploits unintended emissions from electronic components which change when electronics are counterfeited, tampered, or otherwise degraded. ADEC is rapid, reliable, and non-destructive, enabling 100% screening of critical electronics. ADEC has been demonstrated as capable against multiple counterfeit modalities and against physical malware, such as intentional modifications to device circuitry. ADEC is currently being transitioned to Government facilities for pilot testing and operational use in securing the supply chain. Prior Government testing has shown that ADEC achieves superior performance over conventional methodologies. ADEC is a disruptive technology that will bring multiple benefits to military systems and the Warfighter, including enhanced mission assurance and reduced sustainment costs.