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US Navy Introduces New Blockchain Security Technology: PARANOID
The US Navy has introduced a new blockchain security technology called “PARANOID” and is actively seeking private sector partners to assist with further studies and development. Officially known as Powerful Authentication Regime Applicable to Naval OFP Integrated Development (PARANOID), this technology was created by the Aircraft Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWCAD) in New Jersey to secure avionics software for the Navy. However, according to TechLink, the technology transfer partner of the US Department of Defense, developers have identified its potential applicability to any security-focused software development project.
In a presentation given in May, the blockchain security model was described as “novel,” ensuring the integrity of software throughout its lifecycle by using blockchain transactions to create a forensic record of code in development. This technology is also designed to block the injection of malicious code and prevent the exchange of malicious files.
Commercialization and collaboration prospects
TechLink announced that the PARANOID model is now available to private companies for commercialization. The inventors are seeking a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to help further develop the technology. An ideal CRADA partner would be a company interested in developing solutions to secure software supply chains, especially those engaged in software development willing to install and test PARANOID for feedback and scalability, as indicated by Nida Shaikh, senior technology manager at TechLink.
The Navy’s interest in blockchain technology is not new. In 2020, the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAVWAR) entered into a $9.5 million contract with SIMBA Chain to implement a secure blockchain messaging and transaction platform to enhance the Navy’s communications systems. This partnership was part of broader efforts to integrate blockchain technology into naval operations.
Historical context and broader military applications
This latest initiative is part of the military’s broader exploration of blockchain technology. In mid-2022, the US Air Force (USAF) partnered with SIMBA Chain to develop a system called Digital Blockchain Budgeting Accountability and Tracking (DiBaT), aimed at tracking Air Force funds and supply chain movements. This partnership focused on ensuring that control funds were within a tamper-proof blockchain, providing the USAF with greater transparency into its allocations and payment systems.
Unlike previous efforts, the U.S. Navy’s current blockchain development allows private companies to use and evaluate the technology to determine its effectiveness and scalability. This represents a significant shift in the Navy’s approach, moving from in-house implementation to broader industrial collaboration and potential commercialization.
Future implications and impact on the sector
The introduction of PARANOID and its potential application in various security-focused software development projects highlights the Navy’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to improve cybersecurity. By inviting private sector collaboration, the Navy aims to refine and expand this technology, ensuring it meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
The success of this partnership could lead to significant advances in the security of software supply chains, providing robust protection against malicious activity. As the Navy continues to invest in blockchain technology, the implications for increased security and operational efficiency in both the military and civilian sectors are substantial.
In summary, the US Navy’s launch of PARANOID represents a significant advancement in blockchain security technology, with broad potential applications. The move to collaborate with private sector partners for further development underscores the Navy’s strategic approach to innovation and security in the digital age. This initiative not only promises to improve naval operations, but also sets a precedent for future public-private partnerships in technology development.