Honolulu, Hawaii-based Oceanit Laboratories has secured a $949,999.78 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program award for sensor system development.
While sensors that include range finders, thermal imaging devices, and radio frequency detectors are utilized in tactical and rugged environments like border crossings and ports, the devices are difficult to physically protect and may be vulnerable to cyber attacks or spoofing, authorities indicated.
Oceanit Laboratories, Inc.’s selection for the Phase II award stems from the firm’s successful Phase I demonstration of its Remote Sensor Data Protection and Anti-Spoofing solution.
“This project will help mitigate serious risks to our critical mission areas,” Kathryn Coulter Mitchell, DHS senior official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, said. “The development of an advanced system that not only provides valuable data but also protects it from manipulation will allow law enforcement to accurately and efficiently monitor operational situations.”
The scope of work calls for Oceanit Laboratories to develop technology enabling efficient, accurate detection and correction of sensor spoofing, in addition to minimizing false positives to operators, analysts and other decision makers.
“The development of this technology is innovative because it stresses the importance of sensor data integrity and security,” Brannan Villee, S&T SBIR topic manager, said. “Typically, focus is placed on computers that process data and not the sensors that actually provide the data. This detection capability will allow users to discern between a physical failure and a cyberattack, which is critical to data confidence and system integrity. In addition, this innovation will support all sensor types and is scalable to a large number of sensors, which offers wide applicability for the government and private sector.”