Federal Government Overview: Multi-Level Security Solutions—How to Implement Government Directives for Information Sharing Among Agencies In this new era of the war on terrorism, government agencies are mandated to share information with other like-minded agencies who serve to protect U.S. interests at home and abroad. These mandates put an increased emphasis on sharing documents with local, state and federal agencies that were previously outside the normal channels of classified information. In turn, these agencies now have greater responsibilities for handling and protecting national security information. The challenge government agencies face today centers on how to implement better IT solutions that provide the same levels of security while sharing more information with more and more agencies. Today’s agencies need to include security controls that: Prevent users from accessing information at a higher classification level than their authorization level permits Prevent unauthorized users from accessing or declassifying information Provide NIST/NSA validated confidentiality for data in transit Some vendors have proposed complex software solutions to provide web-based access control privileges across various agency networks. These solutions, as well as being time consuming to implement, may have limitations that present their own security concerns. Tadpole believes there is a better and much simpler solution that can be implemented and managed at a low cost without implementing new software architectures. This solution centers on secure ultra-thin client desktops and ultra-secure network gateway servers that provide controlled access to multiple security domains over wired and wireless networks. Delivering a Deployable Multi-Level Security Solution Tadpole Computer and Fortress Technologies have joined forces to offer a simple, robust solution for the complex problem of multi-level security (MLS). The solution combines Tadpole's award winning ultra-thin client technology with Fortress Technologies FIPS-certified network security products and services for U.S. government agencies. The combined components work together seamlessly in a MLS solution that is mobile, secure and affordable. As well as being ideally suited to First Responders, Command & Control, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Military Intelligence and a whole host of other deployable applications, the solution easily scales for use in any government agency that has a requirement for affordable MLS based on readily available Commercial-Off-The-Shelf technology (COTS). The MLS network gateway servers comprise Secure Gateways from Fortress Technologies and small form-factor secure servers from Tadpole Computer. The Fortress Secure Gateways provide the high assurance link between the Tadpole Comet ultra-thin clients and the secure network server. Tadpole Bullfrog mobile servers provide Tadpole Comet users the ability to access applications and data on multiple security network domains. Together they provide: Policy management for user authentication and access control privileges Administration for individuals and groups of users that let new users or groups of users be established or disabled instantly Secure gateways to multiple networks at different classification levels Policy controls that allow authorized users to view multiple classification labels simultaneously Access to community networks, allowing users to browse various classified networks from the same window Centrally located and tightly managed secure server(s) for simplicity of administration and optimum security A solution that works with existing infrastructure solutions In-transit Layer 2 security With Tadpole Comet ultra-thin clients, users can be given complete portability of their computer sessions. With simple but secure authentication protocols users can move seamlessly from one Tadpole ultra-thin client to another without losing any state of the application. This can be as simple as removing the users CAC card from one system and inserting it into another. More likely though, additional authentication from username/ password and/or biometric devices will be used to securely authenticate users. With centralized management, users no longer need local system administration for their personal mobile computers. Ultra-thin clients provide zero-administration locally and move the system administration to a Network Operations Center (NOC) that can be hundreds or thousands of miles away. For example, First Responders can set-up local networks quickly and efficiently without needing expert technical support in emergency situations. And centralized management with ultra-thin client technology benefits medical personnel by providing a common operating environment to doctors or nurses regardless of location. For more information and detailed specifications about our multi-level security solutions, please contact us to discover how Tadpole Computer and Fortress Technologies can meet your specific MLS needs. The Benefits of a Tadpole Government Computing Solution: With Tadpole computing solutions, government customers receive added benefits beyond the wireless, rugged performance of our products. World-class distinction: We know that servicing our customers doesn't end with the delivery of the product. We provide end-to-end services as a major differentiator between us and our competitors. Award-winning services: We are consistently recognized by our customers for excellence in service. Depth of expertise and services: We have manufactured and supported mobile computing solutions for nearly two decades. We can handle everything from implementation and asset management, to disk and project management. Our customer support and warranty programs are unmatched in the industry. For experience and depth of services, no one is better than Tadpole. Specialization in large and complex deployments: Whether its 50 units or 15,000 units, we deploy and lead the implementation of your wireless rugged rollout–seamlessly and around the globe. One-Call Client Service Center: One phone call to 800.638-9270 will handle your service and technical support issues.