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BAE SYSTEMS Receives NIAP's Highest Security Rating For Secure Operating System To Date

27 Jun 2005

BAE Systems Also Unveils XTS-400 Version STOP 6.1.E for Secure Interoperability and Data Sharing Among Diverse Networks and Classification Levels

BAE Systems today announced that the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) has certified the latest version of its secure operating system, XTS-400 STOP 6.1.E, with the highest security rating in the United States to date. The Evaluation Level 5 (EAL5) rating was awarded by NIAPs Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme (CCEVS).

BAE Systems XTS-400 STOP 6.1.E is a high-assurance, multi-level security system that permits organizations to securely share authorized data at different classification levels and compartments depending on the users clearance and permissions all from one computer, eliminating the need for multiple workstations. XTS secure platform is interoperable across multi-jurisdictional domains and allows collaboration among diverse environments with the highest rated platform for protecting the integrity of valuable communications and data assets. XTS-400 and its predecessor versions are currently deployed in more than 700 installations across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Communities for policy-controlled information exchange among homeland security, law enforcement, first responders, coalition partners, and the diplomatic community.

We understand how important security is to the integrity and safety of our nation as we respond to new requirements for information sharing with partner agencies and nations. For this reason, we built the XTS-400 system and its STOP operating system with NIAPs highest security standards in mind, said Roger Yee, BAE Systems vice president of High Assurance Solutions. As we continue to make great strides as a nation in secure interoperability and data sharing across multiple agencies, networks, and classification levels, our XTS solution suite is well-suited to remedy our customers most complex and ever-changing security challenges.

NIAPs EAL certifications are assurance standards used by agencies within the federal government as an increasing scale that balances the level of assurance obtained with the cost and feasibility of acquiring that degree of assurance. NIAP conducts rigorous testing in assurance categories including configuration management, delivery and operation, development, guidance documents, life-cycle support, tests and vulnerability assessments.

The Naval Research Laboratory has chosen BAE Systems XTS-400 and STOP OS, as the development platform for a multi-level chat system, because it has robust security functionality and a high level of assurance, said P.J. Jenket, secure systems engineer for the Naval Research Laboratorys Centre for High Assurance Computer Systems. STOP 6.1 has several significant enhancements which make application development much easier, without compromising the security posture of the platform.

In addition to EAL5 certification, ongoing enhancements to the latest version of XTS-400 include a very robust LINUX-compliant application programming interface, doubled physical memory support, an increased number of Ethernet connections, the ability to start programs without operator intervention at boot time, and additional features for SAMBA network file system services and for APACHE Web server applications support.

XTS-400 can be augmented with numerous applications, including guards for security analysis and data filtering and multilevel secure collaboration toolset applications, such as Multi-Level CHAT. The system is part of BAE Systems Integrated Information Assurance (I2A) offerings. Its successful integration into an organization is ensured through disciplined development practices, as well as the most rigorous of external accreditations and certifications.

XTS-400 and STOP are trademarks of BAE Systems.

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The Company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The Company employs nearly 100,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately $25 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

For further information, please contact:

Paula Sandin, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 301 738 4653 Mobile: +1 301 233 1808
paula.sandin@baesystems.com
www.na.baesystems.com