Cyber security hardware to protect 1553 avionics databus traffic from cyber attack introduced by Abaco

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Abaco Systems in Huntsville, Ala., is introducing the 1553Guard security technology to protect MIL-STD-1553 avionics databus-based systems from cyber attack in real time.

The 1553Guard is built into the 1553 interface, while other technologies require expensive hardware and significant software modification but may not include threat mitigation. Abaco's plug-and-play device detects and alleviates cyber security threats through continual monitoring and protection of equipment.

MIL-STD-1553 was released by the U.S. Department of Defense before the advent of modern cyber warfare, and lacks many of the tools that secure modern networks. More recently it was identified as a potential danger that adversaries could leverage to compromise equipment and spread malicious software across a system. Abaco designed 1553Guard to relieve these security issues.

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The device continuously monitors bus communications traffic, identifies incidents based on user-defined rules and algorithms, then mitigates the threat. The security mechanism implements in hardware that cannot be bypassed or disabled easily by malicious software or users. This can reduce risk for on-platform use or when integrated into avionics test and maintenance equipment.

Abaco's solution protects the entire bus with one device to reduce integration time by avoiding hardware and software redesign and requalification. Once added to the bus, 1553Guard is passive and does not interfere with normal bus communication.

The device detects and disables improper messages without interruption to normal bus traffic. It can integrate onto any existing bus using one of Abaco's existing XMC, USB, or mini PCI Express products, or by using a stand-alone device connected to the bus.

For more information contact Abaco Systems online at www.abaco.com.