The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency plans to develop self-healing computers that are capable of safeguarding themselves from cyberattacks.

The agency said Friday these capabilities are possible by addressing gaps in forensic data on a data-sharing service dubbed ‘the bus.’

DARPA’s Red-C Program

Defense Department vehicles and personal computers are examples of bus-based systems that lack the proper protection from cyberthreats. DARPA intends to safeguard these critical systems by utilizing the Reclaiming Bus-based Systems During Compromise, or Red-C, program to develop the algorithms that create self-healing systems.

The agency will also look into the possibility of retrofitting firmware with forensic sensors, allowing components to monitor each other. This capability enables on-system detection, repair and inoculation. Existing threat detection services happen off-system.

DARPA recently managed to build a dataset that can detect 99 percent of ransomware. The focus will now shift to the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express and Compute Express Link. The aim is to develop a prototype with PCIe/CXL bus architectures that should enable the system to identify and receive from attacks.

Bernie McShea, DARPA Red-C program manager, said, “The reason these vulnerabilities continue, even in new technology, is because manufacturers build bus systems as a collection of independent black-box components. “We must create better instrumentation and cooperative responses to detect, repair, and inoculate on-system.”

The Defense Logistics Agency has launched a new tool for small business owners to obtain the contact details for the supply chain of the items or services they are offering.

The agency said Thursday interested businesses can now use a search function on DLA’s Small Business webpage to get in touch with specific contacts.

Supplier Pathway Program

The new search tool represents the initial phase of the Supplier Pathway program designed to guide new vendors in navigating the government’s contracting processes. It also makes it easier for these new entrants, particularly small business owners, to understand the nuances of contracting with DLA.

In utilizing the search tool, users simply enter the supply or service they are offering. This will provide them with search results related to the product or service code and the name of the managing DLA supply chain. The results will also show links to particular supply chains, giving contractors the data they need; this includes instructions about procurement processes and policies.

DLA Vice Director Brad Bunn said, “Arming small businesses with the information they need to create pathways for contracting with us is just one way we’re working to expand our industrial base partnerships. Stronger ties with small businesses will ultimately strengthen our industrial base and lead us to solutions for tough challenges like logistics in a contested environment.”

The next phase of the Supplier Pathway program will provide the detailed step-by-step process necessary to collaborate with DLA.

The Department of the Navy has made public a new memorandum developed to reduce technical debt across installations. In a press release published Thursday, the Navy said the document aims to strengthen mission readiness and advance sustainability across the organization.

Meredith Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment and chief sustainability officer, collaborated with Jane Overslaugh Rathbun, chief information officer at DON and a Wash100 winner, to create the memorandum titled CSO Serial Six: Technical Debt. 

Mitigating Vulnerabilities Through Modernization

A technical debt refers to outdated systems that create cyber vulnerabilities and impact operational efficiency. The CSO Serial Six memorandum plans to remedy the issue through four actions, starting with exercises to find vulnerabilities in military systems, test responses to cyber incidents and strengthen cybersecurity. 

The CSO also recommended investing in new technologies that not only improve workforce productivity but also boost energy efficiency and overall sustainability. According to the memo, outdated systems cause various challenges such as frequent disruptions and downtime. The adoption of cloud services, for example, can eliminate downtime and facilitate collaboration, leading to more streamlined operations. 

The memo also calls for the use of innovative cooling technologies and the implementation of responsible electronic equipment practices. Both actions support the DON’s sustainability goals. 

“These actions will provide more reliable and efficient systems, which will enhance mission readiness, operational cost efficiency, and increase user productivity,” said Berger. “Through sustainability, we support an agile, resilient, and ready force equipped to meet the demands of today’s missions and stay ahead of future requirements.” 

The CSO Serial Six: Technical Debt is the sixth memorandum Berger’s office has published. The first five memoranda focused on infrastructure resilience, water security, nature-based resilience, sustainable supply and acquisition, and shore energy and decarbonization.