New algorithms to secure TETRA networks against cyber attacks

In order to adapt to technology innovations and potential cybersecurity attacks, including from quantum computers, ETSI’s Terrestrial Trunked Radio and Critical Communications Evolution (TCCE) technical committee has completed work on new algorithms designed to secure TETRA networks for at least the next 20 years.

These new specifications, ETSI TS 100 392-7 and ETSI TS 100 396-6, have been developed in close collaboration with experts from the ETSI quantum safe cryptography group. This work was carried out with the support of The Critical Communications Association (TCCA), the global representative organisation responsible for the enhancement of the TETRA standard.

TETRA is a digital private mobile radio (PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) technology for critical communications. It is widely used by public safety agencies around the world as, in addition to secure and resilient network communications, it also offers direct peer-to-peer critical communications without the need for a supporting network in situations such as natural disasters and emergencies. Demand for TETRA technology is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.7% in the 2021–2026 forecast period, according to Omdia, as nations want to deploy networks shared by all public safety organisations and first responders to fully interoperate with other services during emergency situations.

“It is vital to keep the TETRA cryptography updated with the latest cybersecurity algorithms when you realise the variety of sensitive organisations and applications TETRA systems serve,” said Brian Murgatroyd, Chair of the TCCE committee. “The EU Parliament and Commission, for instance, use a secure TETRA system to protect their building and communication networks — a scenario where failure or security compromise is unthinkable.”

“These new air interface encryption algorithms will support TETRA into the foreseeable future,” added Dave Chater-Lea, Vice Chair of the TCCE committee. “They are designed to withstand brute force attack beyond the year 2040 even if quantum computers become a viable means of attack, with new over-the-air key management algorithms and authentication keys to further strengthen the security of the standard.”

“This upgrade of the TETRA standard confirms and reinforces the efforts of the TETRA industry community to support TETRA as the optimal mission-critical communication technology for the long-term future,” concluded Francesco Pasquali, Chair of the TCCA’s TETRA Industry Group (TIG). “Our commitment to maintaining TETRA’s outstanding and unrivalled level of security is essential, especially in a continuously evolving and challenging context where new cyber threats are coming not only from isolated cybercrime actors, but from organised hostile countries.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Vladimir_Timofeev