DARPA Wants Android Devices

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) projects aim to solve today’s challenges. The agency has several different type of projects such as virtual robotics for disasters. DARPA also works to provide a more secure mobile network for soldier’s in the military. The military can leverage mobile devices in the private cloud.

The Army has been using Android smartphone devices and have been actively working with the Pentagon to build on the soldiers’ Android mobile devices security. The program is called “Mobile Armour.” Invicea was funded with a multi-year $21.4 million contract for the expansion of“Mobile Armour.” The objective is to improve the Army’s smartphones. Invicea will develop a version of Google Android OS to ensure mobile security. The Virginia-based firm was given four years to complete the project and is currently working on over 3,000 Android devices.

Google / Wired

Android can support password policies for its devices and delete them remotely if security risks may be compromised. It is important for the enterprise to make sure mobile security adheres to security programs. Android users can create and govern the right IT guidelines for its employees. Other areas to consider protecting are limiting sensitive mobile data being transferred, leveraging MDM software for password encryption, monitoring mobile devices, performing security assessments for Android and assessing priority threats across the infrastructure.

DARPA was also involved with a new federal initiative called Brain Research. The initiative was developed by the Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN). Over $100 million will be contributed to the first year of the program from the The White House and DARPA. DARPA also began spending its $70 million initiative last October for the development of implants. The budget will take course over the next five years. Through this, DARPA has created a program called Systems-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies (SUBNETS). SUBNETS integrates real-time recording analysis through the use of stimulation in next-generation devices such as mobility. The efforts are to benefit neurotechnological therapy.

Predicting success for robots enters the mainstream in the future. Today's robot has cameras, video, microphones, speakers and are built with a display. The devices are built on platforms. Challenges still arise with functionality limitations. As business requirements change over time issues have to be aligned. U.S. Army engineers are also actively developing battery chargers for Android smartphones, tablet, and laptops. Having the right IT infrastructure plan that meets business requirements is an investment. Its crucial that plans are executed as mistakes can be costly.

Android smartphone devices are critical for the military in the 21st century.