With the new Executive Order on Resilient Positioning, Timing and Navigation (PNT), signed by President Donald J. Trump on February 12, 2020, the federal government sets an urgent priority on protecting critical infrastructure from rising threats to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and PNT signals.
Importantly, the order seeks to strengthen national resilience by identifying and promoting the responsible use of positioning, navigation, and timing services by the Federal Government and critical infrastructure owners and operators.
Without which, rapidly emerging threats could affect sectors such as communications, information technology, energy, transportation, financial services, government facilities and emergency services.
(Discover what is resilent PNT from Orolia, a the world leader in resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of customers’ critical, remote or high-risk operations. Courtesy of Orolia and YouTube. Posted on Jun 28, 2019.)
“From mobile phone applications to automobile navigation, our digital, interconnected society is dependent every day on PNT services,” said DHS Acting Secretary Chad. F. Wolf.
“That is why it’s critically important that PNT services remain properly functioning as a major component of the Nation’s critical infrastructure.”
“By adopting responsible use of PNT services, the Federal Government and owners and operators of critical infrastructure can contribute meaningfully to national resilience and ensure the continuous, uninterrupted delivery of services to the nation.”
“This is a test of our resilience.”
“DHS thanks the president for his leadership and looks forward to building on our relationships with our interagency partners and the private sector to implement this executive order.”
“Our Department will continue to promote the security and resilience of critical infrastructure through the risk-based responsible use of GPS and other PNT services,” he added.
How will the PNT Executive Order protect critical infrastructure?
The U.S. government plans to release sector-specific PNT profiles that will describe:
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Critical systems, networks and assets that depend on PNT services.
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The risks of service disruption and manipulation.
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The potential consequences such risks may have on the critical infrastructure.
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Standards, guidelines and sector-specific requirements to address the associated risks.
What PNT technology is currently available to address these threats?
The rise of unintentional and deliberate GPS jamming and spoofing attacks over the past few years have led to the development of new PNT technologies, which are able to address most of the PNT vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure.
(Learn More. Orolia’s Assured PNT Defense Platform is an innovative turnkey solution to the threats and vulnerabilities of GPS/GNSS, ensuring military forces the continuity of trusted PNT data needed for mission success. Courtesy of Orolia and YouTube. Posted on Mar 21, 2019.)
Vulnerability Assessments
Understanding critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and defining what would happen during PNT service disruption and manipulation are key to securing systems against attacks, and a range of testing systems are available to simulate existing or future threats like jamming and spoofing.
“PNT threats are constantly evolving,” explains Stephane Hamel, GNSS Testing and Simulation Director at Orolia, a global leader in GPS/GNSS and PNT solutions for military and commercial applications.
“It’s important to recognize that any successful PNT protection program must be built within a living process of continuous improvement to identify, defeat and anticipate new threats.”
Protection
Proven technologies should be used to effectively reduce the occurrence of PNT service disruption or manipulation.
Multi-frequency and/or multi-GNSS receivers reduce risk by leveraging multiple signal sources.
Blocking antennas can be used to reject terrestrial interference coming from the horizon, and Controlled Radiation-Pattern Antennas (CRPA) can reject strong directional signals in the GPS band to prevent compromised signals from entering electronic equipment.
PNT cybersecurity measures at the network level, coupled with secure time servers that are approved for use in government networks, are effective ways to prevent PNT cyber-attacks.
Detection
Software and hardware-based technologies are available to detect signal jamming and spoofing, providing real time alerts to effectively reduce critical infrastructure vulnerability.
Choosing the right solution involves a trade-off between the complexity of threat scenarios and the level of false alarms that can be tolerated, both of which affect the solution’s cost.
Mitigation
GPS threat detection can suffice to address vulnerabilities, provided that alternative PNT sources are available to take over when GPS is compromised.
Alternative PNT sources like oscillators, inertial sensors or digital maps are only effective if GPS disruption is temporary, meaning a few minutes for navigation and positioning, and a few days for timing.
By contrast, the STL signal on the Iridium satellite network is a commercially available PNT service that is fully independent of GPS and traceable to UTC, which can be used as a backup during longer GPS outages.
Another option is in-line jamming suppression technology, which counteracts the most common GPS jammers and typically reduces their jamming range by a factor of 100 through a small piece of equipment installed between the antenna and the receiver.
What’s next?
Critical infrastructure programs now need to assess and identify risks, choose appropriate Resilient PNT technology and define an ongoing monitoring and improvement program.
The good news is that proven Resilient PNT technology is available today.
“We can’t afford to wait for a major or fatal PNT disruption to trigger action,” said Jean-Yves Courtois, CEO of Orolia.
“Key initiatives like the PNT Executive Order provide essential awareness that these threats exist, and confirm the need to respond today with proven solutions that can keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.”
(Orolia will present a comprehensive suite of Assured PNT military solutions at the 2020 AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition, a three-day event that will explore the capabilities outlined in the Army Operating Concept and how the force transforms from being adaptive to driving innovation for Force 2025 and beyond. The company’s wide portfolio of Simulation Solutions ensure critical systems are field ready for continuous operations, even in GNSS-denied environments. They will also feature exhibits and demos from our innovative turnkey Defense Platform in Mission Timing & Synchronization and Mobile Mission Systems. Courtesy of Orolia and YouTube. Posted on Feb 14, 2020.)
Orolia Takes Platinum in 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
Orolia
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Best NAVWAR Simulation System
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BroadSim
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BroadSim is a software defined Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) simulator that allows users to model true and spoofed signals, whether they are encrypted or unencrypted.
BroadSim was developed to simplify the creation of advanced jamming and spoofing scenarios with Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) testing in mind, and supports high dynamics, jamming, spoofing, and encrypted military codes.
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Best Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Solution
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SecureSync
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Orolia’s SecureSync time and frequency reference solutions synchronize critical military and commercial operations where failure is not an option.
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Combining precision master clock technology with exceptional configurability, SecureSync delivers the industry’s highest standards for extreme reliability, security, redundancy, and flexibility in a rugged, modular, cost effective form factor.
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Orolia also had Multiple Wins in the 2018 and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Programs.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security and public safety vertical markets.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce that Deann Criswell, the NYC Emergency Management Commissioner will deliver the keynote address at the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon Banquet in New York City.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program surpassed expectations with a record number of nominations received from industry leaders and government agencies, and drew over 200 attendees to the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Banquet – an exclusive gourmet luncheon and networking opportunity which filled to capacity, before having to turn away late registrants.
The event featured an impassioned and compelling keynote address by William J. Bratton, former police commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD) twice, the Boston Police Department (BPD), and former chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), as he walked attendees through 50 years of American policing history, the impacts on the communities, and the evolution of critical communication capabilities in our post 9/11 landscape.
Commissioner Bratton, one of the world’s most respected and trusted experts on risk and security issues and Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk a global advisory firm, was recognized as the ‘2019 ‘ASTORS’ Person of the Year’ for his Lifetime of Dedication and Extraordinary Leadership in Homeland Security and Public Safety.
Why the ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program?
American Security Today’s comprehensive Annual Homeland Security Awards Program is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical, IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’
Over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms, gathered from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
- United States Marine Corps
- The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- DHS S&T
- United States Marshals Service (USMS)
- The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police (PAPD)
- The Department of Justice (DOJ)
- The New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (NYS DHSES)
- United States Border Patrol
- AlertMedia, Ameristar Perimeter Security, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Bellevue University, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., CornellCookson, Drone Aviation, FLIR Systems, Hanwha Techwin, HID Global, IPVideo Corp., Konica Minolta Business Solutions, LenelS2, ManTech, Regroup Mass Notifications, SafeLogic, SolarWinds, Senstar, ShotSpotter, Smiths Detection, TCOM LP, Trackforce, Verint, and More!
From innovative Military Cyber Programs, to Local, State and Federal Public Safety and Emergency Management Initiatives, New Physical and IT Products and Services, and Security Professional, Threat Assessment, Emergency Preparedness, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Education and Training Opportunities – Join your ‘ASTORS’ Award-Winning Peers and Receive the Recognition You Deserve!
Excellence in Public Safety and Government Security Award Nominations are also encouraged, such as those 2019 Honored Winners which includes the DEA, U.S. Marine Corps, DHS S&T, Federal Protective Service, DHS S&T NUSTL, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, The Port Authority of NY/NJ, and the NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services.
Individuals are also encouraged to be nominated for Government Excellence in Public Safety and Homeland Security such as last years widely respected recipients.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
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The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please go to the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Championship Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2019 ‘A Year in Review’.
The ‘ASTORS’ Champion Edition is published annually and includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2019 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitgate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
Orolia is the world leader in Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical, remote or high-risk operations.
With locations in more than 100 countries, Orolia provides virtually failsafe GPS/GNSS and PNT solutions to support military and commercial applications worldwide.
Orolia’s PNT solutions improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical, remote or high-risk operations to support military and commercial applications worldwide, and the company is a proud partner of U.S., NATO and allied forces.
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Orolia Chosen for FAA Air Traffic Control System Timing Technology
