Security in transnational interoperable PPDR communications: threats, requirements and architecture solution

Abstract

The relevance of cross border security operations has been identified as a priority at European level for a long time. A European network where Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) forces share communications processes and a legal framework would greatly enforce response to disaster recovery and security against crime. Nevertheless, uncertainty on costs, timescale and functionalities have slowed down the interconnection of national PPDR networks and limited the transnational cooperation of their PPDR forces so far. Currently, the European research project ISITEP is aimed at developing the legal, operational and technical framework to achieve a cost effective solution for PPDR interoperability across European countries. Inter alia, ISITEP project is specifying a new Inter-System-Interface (ISI) for the interconnection of current TETRA and TETRAPOL networks through Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity. This approach turns communications security as a central aspect. In this context, this paper describes the framework and methodology defined to carry out the development of the security requirements for the interconnection of PPDR networks via the new IP ISI and provides a discussion on the undertaken security risk and vulnerability analysis. Furthermore, an overview of the designed security architecture solution for network interconnection is provided.