// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Cross Domain Solution

A Cross Domain Solution (CDS) is a system that allows information to be securely exchanged between networks or systems operating at different security levels or classifications, such as unclassified and classified networks. It acts as a controlled gateway to prevent unauthorized data flows.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A Cross Domain Solution (CDS) is an accredited information assurance (IA) capability enabling secure, controlled data transfer and access between computing systems, networks, or enclaves operating at distinct security domains or classification levels, crucial for C4ISR and JADC2 interoperability within military and defense. These solutions enforce strict security policies and mitigate cyber threats by carefully filtering, sanitizing, and validating data during transit.

BACKGROUND

A cross-domain solution (CDS) is an integrated information assurance system composed of specialized software or hardware that provides a controlled interface to manually or automatically enable and/or restrict the access or transfer of information between two or more security domains based on a predetermined security policy. CDSs are designed to enforce domain separation and typically include some form of content filtering, which is used to designate information that is unauthorized for transfer between security domains or levels of classification, such as between different military divisions, intelligence agencies, or other operations which depend on the timely sharing of potentially sensitive information.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • CDS
  • Cross-Domain Guard
  • Secure Information Exchange Gateway
  • Multi-Domain Data Transfer
  • Domain Separation Gateway

USAGE NOTE

CDSs are essential for enabling interoperability and information sharing among disparate systems and coalition partners while maintaining strict cybersecurity posture in military operations.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Cross Domain Solution.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    Develops a range of Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) that enable secure information exchange between networks operating at different security levels within military and intelligence communities.

  • BAE Systems

    Offers robust cross-domain solutions and services to enable secure, controlled information sharing and transfer across disparate security domains for defense and government clients.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    Provides secure, high-assurance cross-domain solutions for critical national security missions, facilitating data exchange while maintaining security separation.

  • Forcepoint

    Specializes in cybersecurity, including high-assurance cross-domain solutions designed to control and secure data flow between networks of differing classification levels.

  • Peraton

    Delivers advanced cross-domain solutions and services to government agencies, enabling secure access and transfer of information across multiple security domains.

  • Leidos

    Offers a variety of cross-domain technologies and services that help government and military clients securely share information across classified and unclassified networks.

  • Owl Cyber Defense

    Focuses specifically on hardware-enforced Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) to provide one-way and two-way data transfer with cybersecurity assurance for critical infrastructure and defense applications.

  • Viasat

    Provides secure networking and communications solutions, including cross-domain capabilities that enable warfighters to access and share critical data across multiple security domains.

RELATED TERMS IN C4ISR & JADC2