The Role of Virtualisation in Cross-Domain Solutions

A Nexor white paper

Virtualisation is an increasing trend in IT, enabling major reductions in the cost of computing. However, the adoption of virtualisation in specialist environments requires careful consideration. Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS), in which systems are deployed to enable secure and reliable transfer of information between classified domains, require a high degree of assurance that the data will not be compromised. The security of these systems is therefore paramount, and the use of virtualisation must be assessed carefully.

In the 21st century, government organisations face unprecedented challenges from a range of new behavioural, procedural and environmental factors. Increased instances of data loss or leakage, greater demand for collaborative working, a growing trend for remote and mobile working and the rise in information being exchanged on a “responsibility to provide” basis rather than a “need to know” basis all contribute to a more complex data management landscape. This is all set against a backdrop of the ever-increasing threat of cyber warfare as well as the heightened risk of physical terrorist attack.

Cross Domain Solutions are a key component in the IT armoury that enable information sharing and prevent data loss; they are the key to successful organisational interoperability. The growing interest in implementing Cross Domain Solution at all levels of classification is posing a growing challenge in terms of security, assurance, complexity, and cost.

This paper explores different security models, standard and enhanced technologies and options for virtualisation.