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Virtually all combat systems will soon be cyber-reliant. Sensors, weapons and networking technologies will all rely upon secure computing to perform most advanced combat tasks. 

Soldier-worn computers will instantly connect target information, drone feeds and enemy tracking data. 

Computers and sensors are already being woven into soldier uniforms and being ergonomically engineered to accompany forces in battle for this specific purpose. However, while increased computing power, AI-enabled systems and advanced processing speeds promise to bring unprecedented advantages to combat operations, greater reliance upon computer networking requires sophisticated “hardening” and advanced security technologies. 

Soldier wearable computers, embedded sensors, night vision goggles and wireless communications links will all require advanced security to succeed in combat. 

Many U.S. military and industry innovators are working on advanced, lightweight encryption technology designed to secure computer systems and integrated networks operating at the edge of combat, according to foxnews.com.

A recently-patented technology by Encrypted Sensors is evolving an encryption technique intended to massively increase the security and efficiency of forward-operating cyber-reliant combat systems. 

The emerging technology, according to developers, embeds pre-programmed computer chips into the hardware itself, without needing to rely upon software for encryption. Called Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, the quarter-sized chips are not operated like typical encryption programs which use software and Computer Processing Units (CPU) for control.

When it comes to dismounted infantry operations, decreased computer processing and increased efficiency enable lower weight, transportable technology. Also, by virtue of not needing to rely upon software, these new encryption methods can connect multiple devices through one central hub. 

Encrypted Sensor’s work seeks to mitigate vulnerabilities which can be associated with standard methods of encryption which use larger “chunks” of data and rely upon mathematical formulas.

Using a non-mathematical technique for encryption may bring substantial security advantages.

Encrypted sensors is now preparing for laboratory demonstrations of the technology and begun early prototyping. Part of this process will include third-party validation.

It seems clear that whatever this patented FPGA encryption is able to accomplish, it will need to be upgradeable to sustain the test of time given the pace of technical advancements increasingly available to adversaries, according to nationalinterest.org.