Tempest

Tempest is a NATO-certification that includes both protection against compromising emanations, and methods to eavesdrop upon others to disclose confidential information.

Tempest as a form of protection is normally applied to environments and devices which are considered highly vulnerable. Thus, tempest-certified equipment come with the most severe protection against compromising emanations.

Three levels of Tempest standard NATO SDIP-27

Three different tempest standards can be defined. These are level A, B and C.

Level A
The tempest standard Level A is the strictest NATO-standard and is sometimes therefore referred to as ”Full”. Level A is applied to environments and devices where immediate eavesdropping can occur, from as close as the room next door (approximately 1 meters’ distance). This standard is thus for devices that are operated within the NATO Zone 0.

Level B
The tempest standard Level B is the next strictest NATO-standard, sometimes referred to as ”Immediate”. This standard is usually applied to devices where it is assumed that eavesdropping cannot occur from closer than a distance of 20 meters. This tempest standard is therefore for devices that are operated within the NATO Zone 1. This standard protects devices both from 20 meters’ free distance or through a comparable distance through building blocks and obstructions.

Level C
The tempest standard level C is sometimes referred to as ”Tactical”. This standard is applied to environments and devices within the NATO Zone 2 (where eavesdroppers are assumed to have a distance of at least 100 meters). This standard protects devices both from 100 meters’ free distance (or through a comparable distance through building blocks and obstructions).

Tempest levels complete standard list

Standard Full Intermediate Tactical
NATO Zones Zone 0 Zone 1 Zone 0
NATO SDIP-27 Level A Level B Level C
NATO AMSG AMSG 720B AMSG 788A AMSG 784
USA NSTISSAM Level I Level II Level III

More about compromising emanations

Within the Armed Forces, tempest-certified equipment are one of many crucial steps to ensure protection against compromising emanations. As more businesses realize the threats and risks that come with modern information society, the demand for tempest protection around several industries though are increasing notably. Fibersystems can help both small and large organizations to safer operations – nationally and globally.