When embedded devices are networked, security can cause problems. Non-secured network devices can be hacked and exploited. Viruses and other malware can be introduced into the machines and may affect their functionality, change control, or steal specific information.
Historically, attacks focused on general purpose computers, but increasingly attackers are turning their attention toward the much broader and deeper opportunities represented by embedded devices. Intellectual property, private data, proprietary software and patents, and access to mission-critical system controls are increasingly at risk. In order to provide secure and safe trustworthiness and exclude devastating, unauthorized use of critical systems, it is essential to control access in an organized and certifiable fashion.
The EURO-MILS project is addressing this fundamental aspect of future device design and production. More specifically, the project will develop solutions relying on MILS (Multiple Independent Levels of Security), a high-assurance security architecture that supports both untrusted and trustworthy components, based on separation mechanisms and controlled information flows. It will leverage a small virtualization platform, to develop two working prototypes in avionics and automotive. The objective is however to implement a solution that will be usable in other market segments, either industrial or consumer.
“We are very proud to have such well-known and relevant partners on board of this ambitious project,” said Sergey Tverdyshev, Manager R&D Projects at SYSGO and Technical Leader of EURO-MILS. “Our consortium is well-positioned to achieve the objectives and provide the trustworthiness required by almost all industry sectors.”
Thanks to PikeOS, its Safe & Secure Virtualization RTOS, SYSGO will provide the foundation of this strategic initiative. PikeOS is MILS compliant and already used in some market segments requiring safety and security but the EURO-MILS project will expand its suitability to an even broader range of applications.
The main outcomes of the EURO-MILS project are to develop market relevant technologies and concepts for virtualization of heterogeneous embedded systems and the formal verification for these systems as part of rigorous cross-European security certification:
- Trustworthy foundations based on the MILS approach, architecture, and applications
- A European MILS virtualization platform and its usage
- High assurance backed by the “Common Criteria for Information Technology Security” standard
- A true cross-European certification
About EURO-MILS
EURO-MILS is a three-year joint research project that has started on October 1, 2012. It has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme. Project partners are: Airbus Operations SAS, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH, EADS Deutschland GmbH, EADS France SAS, JEMM Research, Open Universeit Nederland, OpenSynergy GmbH, SYSGO GmbH, SYSGO SAS, Technikon Forschungs- und Planungsgesellschaft mbH, Thales Communications & Security, T-Systems International GmbH, Universiteit Gent, University of Paris-Sud.
For more information please visit https://euromils-project.technikon.com/