The United States Navy is collaborating with the private sector to develop its new blockchain technology, called PARANOID.
Launch of PARANOID
The US Navy seeks private sector partners to upgrade its proprietary PARANOID blockchain system through a cooperative research and development.
PARANOID, which stands for Powerful Authentication Regime Applicable to Naval Operational Flight Program Integrated Development, is designed to secure software from cyberattacks during both development and deployment stages.
The Naval Air Warfare Center’s Aircraft Division, the NAWCAD in Lakehurst, New Jersey, created PARANOID to protect avionics software for the Navy.
After the first tests it became apparent that this technology could be beneficial for any software development project where security is paramount, not only for Navy or general military use.
By verifying files across nodes via blockchain, PARANOID ensures the integrity of software throughout its development, as each developer action is recorded as an entry on the PARANOID blockchain, creating a detailed ledger of activities.
This system, this complete transparency makes it extremely difficult for bad actors to alter, replace, or delete code or files without detection, as any unauthorized changes wouldn’t pass the verification against the immutable blockchain database.
Call to arms
According to TechLink, the Department of Defense’s technology transfer partner, the US Navy is inviting private sector entities to collaborate on the further research and development of the PARANOID system.
Nida Shaikh, a senior technology manager at TechLink, stated that the ideal partner would be a company focused on securing software supply chains, particularly those willing to install and test PARANOID for feedback and scalability.
The introduction of PARANOID to the private sector marks a significant step in the commercialization of blockchain technology developed by the US military.
This move clearly shows the importance of cybersecurity in software development and the potential for blockchain technology to play a central role in securing software supply chains.
While the Navy’s initiative is pioneering, it is not the first instance of the US military exploring blockchain technology.
Both the US Air Force and the US Navy have previously worked with SIMBA Chain, a blockchain-based data exchange incubated at Notre-Dame, to secure their supply lines.
Growing adoption
One can speculate that the success of PARANOID in the private sector could lead to bigger adoption of blockchain-based security solutions across various industries.
If the technology proves effective in securing software development processes, it might set a new standard for cybersecurity practices, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing the overall integrity of software systems.
The collaboration between the US Navy and private sector partners could pave the way for more robust and secure software ecosystems, influencing future developments in cybersecurity technologies.
The integration of PARANOID into private sector applications could also stimulate further innovations and improvements in blockchain technology, driving advancements that benefit both military and civilian software development projects.
As companies test and provide feedback on PARANOID, the technology may evolve to address a wider range of security challenges, ultimately contributing to a more secure digital landscape.
