As the rising connectivity of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) devices and systems spreads across the U.S. defense forces, the Internet of Military Things (IoMT) has become the latest cybersecurity term to enter mainstream. Much like other cyber-physical systems (CPS), IoMT is an increasingly integral part of critical infrastructure, government and everyday life and warrants strategic protection.
IoMT, also called Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT), refers to the class of interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) devices involved in the military’s combat operations and warfare. The Department of Defense (DoD) is advancing its use of IoMT on the battlefield with significant financial investment, research, and growing infrastructure. But, with this new investment comes additional risks and challenges.
Gain a better understanding of the current state of this complex technology, the current and future investments the DoD is making, and the direction that IoMT is headed.
Adoption of Smart Tech
Protecting IoMT devices is a core part of the Department of Defense’s push for adopting a zero-trust security framework, but this also comes with significant challenges.
Smart devices, including wearable devices, advanced sensors, and other smart technology are increasingly used on battlefields, delivering increased efficiency and a tactical advantage. These devices play an important role in combat and non-combat settings because of their ability to easily communicate and share information such as real-time data on environmental conditions, location, and enemy movements.
Investment in IoMT
The DoD continues to invest in IoMT technologies to stay ahead of competition amid geopolitical tensions, with unwavering focus on building next-generation military capabilities.
In addition to smart technology and AI, innovative infrastructure — like the Installation of the Future — poses exciting new opportunities for IoMT, along with challenges. After the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018, the Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida implemented new technologies to rebuild and reshape the air force base with an investment of $4.9 billion.
The DoD is also partnering with the private sector to achieve its goals, including a contract with EchoStar to provide smart devices to the department and other federal agencies, with an estimated value of $2.7 billion over 10 years.
Wearable Devices
The DoD is investing more and more in wearable technology meant to optimize performance and survival. Wearable devices, part of the broader Internet of Military Things, include health monitoring systems that track a soldier’s vital signs during missions, wearable exoskeletons that enhance physical capabilities, and compact drones providing aerial reconnaissance.
While valuable, these wearable devices increase the IoMT attack surface and open up new avenues of risk, particularly information technology and data privacy. The key, and challenge, is to balance the operational benefits of wearable technology against the potential security risks.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence
It should be no surprise that just as artificial intelligence (AI) proliferates every part of the tech industry, AI is also making waves in the IoMT landscape. With far reaching implications extending to data analysis, autonomous vehicles, and wearable devices, AI must be taken into account when securing IoMT.
The DoD announced its revised Data, Analytics and AI Adoption Strategy in 2023, outlining policies and principles for using AI responsibly in military technology. This includes accelerated, scaleable adoption of AI-driven solutions. Investment in AI is also increasing, with the United States Army Research Lab funding $25 million into Internet of Battlefield Things Research on Evolving Intelligent Goal-Driven Networks (IoBT REIGN). The goal is to develop predictive battlefield analytics and better risk assessment to achieve improved defense capabilities.
Smart Tech Raising Security Concerns
The innovations within IoMT and IoBT are advancing rapidly with increasing funding and research. Essential to each and every new device and piece of technology is the ability to rapidly gather and disperse valuable data, which also makes them critical to protect.
Smart tech that communicates through interconnected networks introduces new vulnerabilities. Sophisticated cyber-attacks targeting these networks can potentially disrupt military actions, leading to catastrophic outcomes. However, these devices are difficult to secure, especially under DoD zero-trust principles. With so many endpoints, these devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, adversaries can use these devices to breach the network, applications, data levels, and storage the military employs.
Due to these risks, fortifying smart tech must be a top priority to protect IoMT used in military operations. For comprehensive protection, a robust threat detection system must be put in place, as well as traditional strategies like encryption and secure communication protocols.
Importance of Securing IoMT and IoBT
The Internet of Military Things and Internet of Battlefield Things represent the intersection of traditional military practices with cutting-edge technology. Although this technology brings immense possibilities, it also introduces new challenges and risks to cybersecurity. That’s why in addition to the investment and strategic planning in IoMT and IoBT, it’s imperative to understand the risks and opportunities for protecting these critical devices. Adopting a purpose-built CPS protection platform like Claroty is one of the most important first steps in securing IoMT and IoBT.
Smart technologies in the military are more than a trend - they’re a new frontier in defense, one that will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping the future of warfare.
To learn about all the ways Claroty is able to secure and protect IoMT and IoBT devices on your network, speak with one of our experts today.
