107 EKMS/COMMUNICATIONS Flashcards
Discuss COMSEC and role of EKMS local element
COMSEC is a mission that provides security to naval communications and communications materials, EKMS is an acronym for the system that provides measures to deny unauthorized persons information of value which may be gained by the possession or study of naval communications. EKMS is an interoperable collection of systems, facilities, and components developed to automate all aspects of electronic key and other types of CMSEC material and it’s local elements (LEs) are to ensure the proper distribution, handling, control and security of COMSEC material in use throughout the Navy.
What is meant by TPI and how is it related to COMSEC
TPI is a system of handling and storing, designed to prevent single-person access to certain COMSEC material, requires that at least two persons, who are authorized access to COMSEC keying material, be in constant view of each other and the COMSEC material requiring TPI whenever that material is accessed and handled. Each individual must be capable of detecting incorrect or unauthorized security procedures with respect to the task being performed. TPI storage require two combination locks with no one person having knowledge of both combinations.
Discuss the following: Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI)
A secure telecommunications or information handling equipment, or associated cryptographic component, which is unclassified but controlled.
Physical Security
The ultimate effectiveness and protection provided by COMSEC material, systems, equipment, and techniques are dependent upon the actions of each individual user of COMSEC material. All the security achieved through the proper use of cryptosystems is to a large extent dependent upon the physical protection afforded the associated keying material and those facilities where this material is stored.
Practice Dangerous to Security (PDS)
PDS’s, while not reportable to the national level (NSA), are practices, which have the potential to jeopardize the security of COMSEC material, if allowed to perpetuate.
Emergency Action Plan/Emergency Destruction (EAP/EDP)
Every command that holds classified COMSEC or CCI material must prepare and maintain a current, written emergency plan for safeguarding such material in the event of an emergency. For commands located within the U.S. and its territories planning must consider natural disasters (e.g., fire, flood, tornado, and earthquake) and hostile actions (terrorist attack, rioting, or civil uprising). For commands located outside the U.S. and its territories and deployable commands, planning must include both an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for natural disasters and an Emergency Destruction Procedures (EDP) for hostile action.The operating routines for COMSEC facilities should be structured so as to minimize the number and complexity of actions that must be taken during emergencies to protect COMSEC material. keying material is destroyed first then COMSEC documents and COMSEC equipment last.
Data Transfer Device (DTD)
“The DTD is an integral component of the EKMS. It is used to securely distribute key generated by the LMD/KP to consumers. The consumers are either an end cryptographic unit (ECU) or another DTD. The DTD is also able to replace current common fill devices (FDs). The DTD has a host side and a COMSEC side. The host side is a small computer used to control the functions of the DTD or run User Application Software (UAS) (e.g., Card Loader UAS (CLUAS) and Common UAS (CUAS) for special functions. The COMSEC side performs the cryptographic functions.
COMSEC Incident
COMSEC incident is an occurrence that could jeopardize COMSEC material or secure communications. 1. Cryptographic is equipment malfunction or operator error that may help unauthorized persons ecover the message. 2. Personnel COMSEC incident occurs when a person with access to classified information is suspected of espionage, defection or sabotage. also include deliberate or accidental disclosure of COMSEC. 3. Physical COMSEC incident includes the loss, theft, loss of control, tampering with COMSEC, and unauthorized viewing, access, or photography of classified COMSEC.
Supersession
Refers to a time when a particulaar item of COMSEC material is no longer eligible for use.
Regular Supersession
Supersession based on a specific, pre-determined supersession date for each edition of material
Irregular Supersession
Supersession that is not pre-determined but which occurs after the material has been used operationally, when the controlling authority directs supersession or when the maintenance key becomes unserviceable.
Emergency Supersession
An unplanned change of supersession, usually as a result of a compromise
Explain function and contents of Communications Electronic Operating Instruction (CEOI)
“The CEOI contains the technical guidance required to establish and maintain communications support of operations. The following information and instructions can usually be included in the CEOI: Call sign assignments. Frequency assignments. Radio guard charts (app. M). Radio net identifiers. Telephone directory names and numbers. Identification and marking panel codes. Signal panel message instructions. Pyrotechnic and smoke codes.”
Define Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI)
“EEFIs are specific facts about friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities needed by adversaries to plan and execute effective operations against our forces. Information that would degrate our security.”
Define Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs)
“Information regarding the 1. enemy 2. friendly activities and 3. environment identified by the commander as critical to maintaining situational awareness, planning future activities, and facilitating timely decisionmaking. It reduces the amount of information to a manageable level”
