10 ways cybersecurity enhances military communication systems

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Since 2015, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has reported over 12,000 cyber incidents affecting its systems. This underscores the pressing need for proactive and comprehensive security measures in military communication systems.

Modern warfare relies heavily on advanced communication technologies, which often make these systems prime targets for increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware, data theft and espionage, nation-state actors, and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks.

The 2024 Armis Cyberwarfare Report reveals that nation-state actors are actively employing AI-powered tactics for advanced cyber capabilities.

This report emphasizes that organizations worldwide are facing unprecedented threat levels.

In this context, this article explores the top 10 ways cybersecurity strengthens military communication systems, ensuring secure and efficient operations.

Bolstering military communication: 10 cybersecurity strategies

The 2023 Annual Threat Assessment by the U.S. Intelligence Community highlights that China is almost certainly capable of launching cyberattacks that could disrupt critical infrastructure services within the United States.

In fact, in August 2023, Chinese hackers targeted a U.S. military procurement system and several Taiwan-based organizations to exfiltrate data and establish covert proxy networks within the targeted systems.

To avoid such incidents, here are expert-recommended strategies that can help maintain robust military messaging and communication channels:

1. End-to-end encryption for secure communication

End-to-end encryption ensures that messages and data shared across military communication networks remain confidential throughout their journey. It protects sensitive military operations from adversaries, guaranteeing that mission-critical information is accessible only to authorized personnel.

Example: During the 2021 SolarWinds cyberattack, unencrypted data transmissions in government systems were exploited, affecting multiple U.S. federal agencies, including the Pentagon. Implementing robust encryption protocols could have mitigated such vulnerabilities.

2. Real-time threat detection and mitigation

The implementation of real-time threat detection systems powered by AI helps military networks identify and neutralize cyber threats as they emerge. This ensures communication remains intact during operations, reducing downtime and the risk of adversaries exploiting vulnerabilities.

Example: In November 2024, the U.S. Army Cyber Command initiated a 12-month pilot of an AI-driven monitoring tool designed to provide scalable, continuous security oversight of networks and platforms. It will monitor networks and platforms for threats. It will also analyze data to find and deter attacks.

3. Secure authentication and access control

Restricting access to secure messaging systems through authentication protocols is fundamental to cybersecurity. Measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) ensure that only authorized personnel can log in, reducing the risk of breaches.

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), enabling MFA makes users 99% less likely to be hacked.

Also, studies have shown that organizations implementing RBAC experience a 50% reduction in security incidents.

4. Protection against data breaches

The 2023 RTF Global Ransomware Incident Map notes that ransomware attacks on government facilities increased in 2023. These attacks pose a serious problem for federal systems. Around the world, such attacks went up by 73% last year, which shows that cyber threats are getting worse.

In this scenario, cybersecurity measures such as advanced encryption, secure storage protocols, and data tokenization help protect sensitive military information from falling into enemy hands.

At the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, member states prioritized strengthening their cyber defenses, especially for critical infrastructure. They launched the Virtual Cyber Incident Support Capability (VCISC), which will provide rapid support and resources to enhance members' cyber resilience.

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5. Safeguarding against jamming and interference

Communication jamming is a common tactic used by adversaries to disrupt military operations by interfering with radio frequencies.

To tackle this, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), encrypted frequencies, Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) waveforms, and anti-jamming technologies can be deployed to ensure clear and secure communication, even in hostile environments.

6. Cyber resilience through redundancy

Designing systems with multiple, diverse pathways for mission-critical functions decreases the likelihood that a single attack can disrupt all communication channels simultaneously. As JHU research indicates, this ensures that if one path is compromised, alternative routes can maintain operational continuity.

Implementing backup systems, secure failovers, and redundant communication channels enables operations to continue seamlessly.

Moreover, the 2023 DOD Cyber Strategy underscores the need for comprehensive cyber resiliency and hardening of electronic systems to address current and future cyber threats.

7. Preventing insider threats

Insider threats, whether from rogue employees or compromised personnel, pose a significant risk to secure communication systems. Monitoring tools and behavioral analytics detect unusual activity patterns and prevent malicious insiders from causing harm.

Example: Edward Snowden's leaks in 2013 revealed extensive U.S. government surveillance programs. Following the leaks, agencies like the NSA implemented numerous technical measures to control data access and enhance oversight of individuals with sensitive information.

Also, the National Insider Threat Task Force (NITTF) was established to help agencies develop effective insider threat programs.

8. Advanced malware detection and prevention

AI-driven solutions proactively identify and block malicious software, such as ransomware and spyware, before they can compromise military communication networks. These systems are tailored to detect sophisticated threats targeting high-value military systems, providing an extra layer of protection.

Example: The U.S. military is currently utilizing the Panoptic Junction (PJ) tool, developed by Army Cyber Command, as part of its cybersecurity measures. This is designed for continuous monitoring and detection of anomalous behavior on military networks.

9. Ensuring secure interoperability

Military operations often involve secure collaboration between allied forces and different branches of service.

Cybersecurity frameworks, such as NATO Cyber Defence Policy, Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), etc., ensure that such interoperability is seamless while maintaining data security.

Also, secure communication protocols, such as MIL-STD-2045, enable coordinated efforts without exposing sensitive data to breaches.

Additionally, the Zero Trust model can be employed. It assumes that threats could be internal or external, requiring strict verification for every user or device attempting to access resources.

10. Compliance with international cybersecurity standards

Adherence to international standards like NATO’s cybersecurity framework and ISO 27001 ensures that military systems maintain robust protocols for communication security.

Compliance not only improves internal operations but also builds trust among international allies, paving the way for seamless cross-functional collaboration.

How Rocket.Chat enhances military communication

Used by privacy-focused organizations in sectors such as government, education, healthcare and defense, Rocket.Chat is an open source secure communication platform that addresses the unique challenges of military operations.

Its comprehensive suite of features makes it an ideal tool for enhancing military communication systems, such as:

End-to-end encryption: Rocket.Chat provides end-to-end encryption for all communications, ensuring that sensitive military data remains protected from interception by adversaries.
Secure collaboration: The tool allows personnel to share information and collaborate effectively through features such as secure team chats and military messaging.
Real-time threat detection: Rocket Chat integrates with advanced monitoring systems to detect and mitigate security threats in real time.
Customizable open-source framework: As an open-source collaboration software, the tool enables militaries to customize the platform to meet specific security and operational needs.
Interoperability: The platform supports seamless integration with existing communication tools and systems, ensuring secure interoperability across allied forces and different military branches.

To sum it up

Military communication systems are the backbone of modern warfare, and their security remains a top priority. From end-to-end encryption to real-time threat detection, these cybersecurity measures ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical communication channels.

To implement these measures quickly and without technical hassle, Rocket.Chat offers cutting-edge features like end-to-end encryption, flexible deployment options, secure team chats, and interoperability to meet the unique demands of military operations.

Try Rocket.Chat today!