Understanding TEMPEST: Secure Communications and Emission Security Training
TEMPEST Training is a 2-day course where participants learn the fundamentals of TEMPEST and its role in secure communications.
TEMPEST stands for Telecommunications and Electrical Machinery Protected from Emanations Security.
Any device with a microchip generates an electromagnetic field, often called a compromising emanation by security experts. With the proper surveillance equipment, these emanations can be intercepted and the signal reconstructed and analyzed.
This is particularly worrisome to the National Security Agency (NSA), which identifies this as a concern in situations where classified information may be accessible and must be protected from outside agents.
Consequently, means have been developed to shield certain devices from emanations that could compromise national security.
Over the past 40 years, the NSA has adopted several industry standards, many of them strengthened. These improvement criteria are known as the TEMPEST standards (although the NSA also calls them EMSEC standards, short for Emission Safety).
The TEMPEST standards involve the design of circuits to minimize emissions and the application of appropriate shielding and bonding.
TEMPEST disciplines involve designing circuits to minimize emanations and the application of appropriate shielding, grounding, and bonding. Some methods used include radiation screening, alarms, and isolation.
TEMPEST filters are particularly useful today. TEMPEST EMI filters are specialized electromagnetic interference Filters (EMI Filters) designed to prevent the emission of compromising emanations from electronic devices and systems.
These filters are composed of passive electronic components, such as inductors, capacitors, and resistors, that are specifically arranged to suppress or attenuate unwanted electromagnetic signals.
Tempest power line filters have also become important tools in the battle against electromagnetic leakage.
A TEMPEST power filter connected to the power line, according to a declassified specification, provides a 100 dB insertion loss across a broad spectrum of signals (from 14 KHz to 10GHz in TSS USA Manufacturing TEMPEST power line filters).
Because decibels are a logarithmic unit, that’s 0.001% of the original signal.
Understanding TEMPEST: Secure Communications and Emission Security Training by Tonex
This comprehensive training course by Tonex delves into the intricacies of TEMPEST, providing participants with a deep understanding of secure communications and emission security. TEMPEST, a critical aspect of information security, focuses on preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information through the monitoring of compromising emanations.
“Understanding TEMPEST: Secure Communications and Emission Security” is an intensive training course offered by Tonex, providing a comprehensive exploration of TEMPEST, a critical facet of information security. Participants gain insights into the historical context, evolution of standards, and regulatory landscapes surrounding TEMPEST.
The course delves into the fundamentals of emission security, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing robust countermeasures. Geared towards information security professionals, engineers, and decision-makers, this training equips attendees with practical skills in assessing and securing electronic systems.
By examining case studies, complying with standards, and engaging in hands-on assessments, participants develop a strategic approach to integrate TEMPEST measures seamlessly into broader security practices.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of TEMPEST and its role in secure communications.
- Identify potential vulnerabilities in electronic systems that may lead to compromising emanations.
- Implement effective countermeasures to mitigate the risk of information leakage.
- Gain insights into TEMPEST standards and regulations governing secure communication.
- Acquire hands-on skills in assessing and securing electronic systems against TEMPEST threats.
- Develop a comprehensive strategy for integrating TEMPEST measures into broader information security practices.
Audience: This course is designed for:
- Information Security Professionals
- System Architects and Engineers
- IT Managers and Decision Makers
- Government and Military Personnel
- Network and Communication Engineers
- Anyone involved in the design and maintenance of secure communication systems.
Course Outline:
Introduction to TEMPEST
- Definition and Significance
- Historical Context
- The Evolution of TEMPEST Standards
- Regulatory Landscape
Emission Security Basics
- Understanding Electromagnetic Emanations
- Types of Compromising Emanations
- Threats and Risks Associated with Emission Security
TEMPEST Vulnerabilities
- Identifying Weak Points in Electronic Systems
- Case Studies of TEMPEST Compromises
- Common Mistakes in Secure Communication Design
TEMPEST Countermeasures
- Shielding and Filtering Techniques
- Grounding and Bonding Best Practices
- Signal Isolation Strategies
- Reducing Radiated and Conducted Emissions
TEMPEST Standards and Compliance
- Overview of TEMPEST Standards (NSTISSAM, NATO SDIP, etc.)
- International and National Regulatory Requirements
- Ensuring Compliance in Secure Communication Systems
Practical TEMPEST Assessment
- Hands-On Emanation Detection Techniques
- Conducting TEMPEST Risk Assessments
- Developing and Testing Countermeasure Plans
- Integrating TEMPEST into Holistic Security Approaches
This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard sensitive information by mastering the principles of TEMPEST and implementing effective security measures.