TEMPEST

TEMPEST

• Definition:

  • A collection of U.S. Government specifications and standards for the physical and electronic security of sensitive or classified information.
  • TEMPEST focuses on preventing the interception of electromagnetic emissions (e.g., radio waves, electrical signals) from electronic devices, which could potentially be used to extract sensitive data.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Emission Security: Primarily concerned with preventing the interception of electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices.
  • Physical Security: Often involves implementing physical countermeasures to shield electronic devices from external electromagnetic interference.
  • Classified Information: Primarily focused on protecting highly classified information within government and military environments.
  • Technical Measures: Involves the use of specialized shielding techniques, grounding, and filtering to minimize electromagnetic emissions.

• Techniques:

  • Shielding: Employing conductive materials like metal enclosures to shield electronic devices from emitting electromagnetic radiation.
  • Grounding: Properly grounding electronic equipment to minimize the risk of electromagnetic interference.
  • Filtering: Using filters to suppress electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices.
  • Distance: Maintaining physical distance between sensitive equipment to minimize the risk of electromagnetic interference.
  • Compartmentalization: Isolating sensitive areas within a facility to prevent unauthorized access and electromagnetic interference.

• Applications:

  • Government and Military: Primarily used by government agencies and military organizations to protect classified information and sensitive communications.
  • Diplomatic Facilities: Protecting sensitive communications and data within diplomatic facilities.
  • High-Security Environments: Protecting sensitive information in other high-security environments, such as financial institutions and research laboratories.

• Importance:

  • National Security: Protects critical national security information from unauthorized interception and exploitation.
  • Data Confidentiality: Ensures the confidentiality of sensitive government and military information.
  • Counterintelligence: Helps to counter-espionage and foreign intelligence gathering activities.

• Considerations:

  • Cost: Implementing TEMPEST-level security measures can be expensive and may require significant modifications to existing facilities and equipment.
  • Technological Advancements: The constant evolution of technology requires ongoing evaluation and adaptation of TEMPEST countermeasures.
  • Balancing Security with Usability: Implementing TEMPEST measures must be balanced with the need for operational efficiency and user convenience.

• Example:

  • A TEMPEST-certified room would have shielded walls, floors, and ceilings, grounded equipment, and specialized cabling to minimize electromagnetic emissions and prevent eavesdropping.