CGI to provide NATO with mobile security software

Executive Summary

• CGI Inc. has signed a contract with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to deliver the "Hermes" project, a secure mobile communications solution for NATO executives and selected target groups.
• The project is being executed in collaboration with partner secunet Security Networks, combining CGI's managed services expertise with secunet's Secure Internetwork Architecture (SINA) technology.
• The solution aims to provide NATO with flexible, high-security mobile communication capabilities, allowing leaders to access classified information and maintain command and control from any location.

Key Details

• Contract Counterparties: CGI Inc. (prime contractor) and secunet Security Networks (technology partner) with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).
• Project Name: Hermes.
• Solution Scope: A highly secure and scalable IT solution enabling mobile communication on specially protected equipment for NATO executives.
• Technical Components:
  • Integration of CGI's managed services with secunet's SINA technology.
  • Combination of secure hardware and software for exchanging classified information irrespective of user location.
  • Establishment of a Hermes Service Operation Centre (HSOC) featuring a permanent monitoring system, a dedicated Security Operation Centre (SOC), 24/7 on-call support, worldwide on-site assistance, and user training.
  • CGI responsible for setting up and operating the end-to-end secure VPN.
  • secunet provides specialized hardware and encryption components.
• Strategic Benefits: Enhances internal communications, ensures consistent command and control, shifts away from static communication, and allows NATO leaders to access their digital work environment while mobile with high confidentiality.
• Scalability: The solution is designed to be easily and quickly extendable to additional user groups and security domains in the future.

Notable Quotes

• Ludwig Decamps, General Manager at NCIA: "Hermes represents a new dimension of efficient, mobile communication within NATO in line with the requirements of a modern and flexible command structure."
• Jens Elstermeier, Head of Business Development for Defence and Intelligence at CGI in Germany: "In a security critical and multinational environment such as NATO, absolute reliability is essential... We have presented a solution that combines state-of-the-art security architecture with the high dynamics of mobile deployment scenarios, while also improving interoperability."
• Marcel Taubert, Vice-President, Defence and Space, at secunet: "Now more than ever, NATO must be able to act quickly and flexibly. Those who can work with highly classified content even while mobile have a clear strategic advantage."