Army deploys data encryption from ViaSat

The British Army has deployed data encryption from ViaSat for its Scout Specialist Vehicles (SV).

Built by contractor General Dynamics, the Scout SV is designed to capture, store, manipulate and analyse over six terabytes of intelligence data, in addition to share it in near real time. The encryption from ViaSat will form component to the Scout SV's modular architecture, ensuring that IT systems may also be swapped and replaced as technology evolves.

ViaSat has developed the one hardware-based data encryption technology, that's CAPS-approved by CESG. a significant feature is a purge control to delete data encryption keys, making data irrecoverable within the event of enemy capture.

The storage system have been designed to form the foundation of future Scout SV variants and other vehicle programmes, thus reducing the requirement and risks for UK development expenditure.

Chris McIntosh, CEO of ViaSat UK, said: “Data is crucial weapon of the 21st century battlefield. Given Scout's role as an ISTAR platform, having the ability to ensure that sensitive mission and communications data seriously isn't in danger within the event of loss or capture is crucial.

“By combining our UK government-accredited hardware encryption technology with experience gained in other highly successful air and ground vehicle projects, we are able to help provide peace of mind for those using the Scout SV that their data isn't in peril.”