Company insight
The culture of communication
Information security is priority one in today’s world, but too often we rely almost exclusively on technology to keep communications secure. Sectra’s Steven Jansen tells us that technology can only do part of the job – the rest requires a security-aware organisational culture.
T
oday, almost every industry is driven by high-tech solutions, and the defence and security sector is no exception. Indeed, its reliance on clear communications for the effective implementation of strategic and tactical decisions places technology at the very forefront of operations, with an emphasis on keeping communication channels secure. But relying too heavily on technology exposes the biggest weakness in the chain of command – people. “Building a resilient cyber defence posture is definitely one of the biggest issues we face with our partners and customers,” says Steven Jansen, key account manager at Sectra. “We have the technology and the experience, but if the solutions are not used in the right way, then there is still danger. The problem is not in the technology, but how you use it.” Sectra Tiger/S is a quantum-resilient communication solution approved up to the classification level SECRET by national security authorities, the EU and Nato. It is essentially a mobile phone that can be used almost anywhere with high network availability – in an office environment, in a city, out in the field, at sea, or even in a bunker. It enables stable communication for mission-based operations using secure interfaces for satellite communication.
The technology is reliable and robust, but on its own, it cannot eliminate all security risks. That responsibility lies with the user. “You can’t have sensitive conversations in a café or on the street because people will hear sensitive information,” says Jansen. “The tech is all about securing communications, but it must be used in the right way. With the mobile phone, for example, you can’t simply use a normal smartphone to communicate secret
information, so you need an extra piece of equipment. We sometimes hear people complain about needing to carry more tech, but for security purposes, it really is a no-brainer.”
Learning to stay secure The defence and security sector faces a broader challenge in addressing the knowledge gaps that represent a serious issue in cyber and information security. When personnel lack awareness or understanding of security principles, they can inadvertently create vulnerabilities that could easily be exploited.
“The human element is not always the biggest risk factor, but it is certainly an area where a lot of work is needed,” he adds. “Companies like ours develop the tech to be secure, but the human factor – and the awareness of how the tech should be used to secure information – is a heavy weight on protecting communication channels.”
Unique mobile solution Coming from Sectra, which offers a unique mobile solution in Europe – the only one to achieve that classification level of SECRET – the emphasis on
“Building a resilient cyber defence posture is definitely one of the biggest issues we face with our partners and customers. We have the technology and the experience, but if the solutions are not used in the right way, then there is still danger.”
This is why Sectra emphasises training and education, as well as technology development. Sectra understands that pairing secure solutions like the Tiger/S with the right training and awareness is essential for achieving maximum classified information security. It actively supports users in making better decisions with easy-to-use features. For example, its user group functionality in the phonebook identifies only trusted recipients for classified calls, which minimises the risk of errors and ensures security protocols are seamlessly integrated into users’ workflows. “You need the right tech to handle sensitive information, but if it is misused, you are as vulnerable as the weakness of the person using it,” Jansen explains. “That is what we try to educate customers and partners about – not only the tech, but also how to use it.”
Defence & Security Systems International /
www.defence-and-security.com
communications culture and training carries considerable weight. “We have a good portfolio and we work to improve it all the time. We have strong relationships with approval authorities, particularly in our home market of Sweden and in the Netherlands, so we know what end users need,” says Jansen. “We understand the need for quantum security, for example, which people need to act on now.
“But we also understand the need for back-end solutions that ensure the end user has no difficult choices to make about whom they can share information with,” he adds. “And we understand how critical it is to be aware of security protocols, so we work hard to educate the end user.” ●
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