As modern technologies continue to advance, the need to safeguard sensitive information from electronic product radiated emissions has become even more critical. Data is continuously streaming through a vast network of electronic devices, and without proper security measures, these devices can emit signals that could be intercepted by unauthorized individuals. This potential vulnerability emphasizes the importance of TEMPEST, which is a set of standards designed to protect sensitive information from being compromised through electromagnetic emissions.

TEMPEST standards guide professionals like electrical engineers, military engineers, and systems engineers to develop solutions that suppress or shield these types of emissions. Whether they’re creating communication systems for military use, designing secure facilities, or developing electronic devices that process classified information, the application of TEMPEST standards ensures that any emissions from these systems are minimized to prevent any potential security breaches.

Understanding the specific levels of TEMPEST is essential for effectively implementing these standards. Below is a quick guide to TEMPEST levels and how they apply to various security needs.

What is TEMPEST?

TEMPEST is a set of standards developed by the U.S. government to address the risk of unintended electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices. “TEMPEST” stands for “Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmission,” and focuses on controlling “compromising emanations,” which are unintentional signals that would reveal sensitive information if intercepted and analyzed.

TEMPEST was originally developed during the Cold War and acted as a response to the increasing threat of espionage and electronic eavesdropping. At the time, unauthorized individuals would intercept and analyze unintentional electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices, exposing classified and sensitive information. As a result, TEMPEST standards were established to prevent such leaks by controlling and minimizing these emissions. Today, these standards have evolved to ensure that devices used in highly secure environments meet strict emission control standards. This includes advanced shielding, filtering, and design practices to protect against the risks from modern communications technologies.

Why is TEMPEST Important?

In high-security environments, such as military facilities and government agencies, protecting classified information is of utmost importance. TEMPEST standards ensure that electronic devices don’t emit signals that could be intercepted and analyzed by unauthorized individuals, thus, preventing potential data breaches.

For professionals like electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and systems engineers, understanding TEMPEST is crucial because their work often involves designing and developing systems in environments where data security is non-negotiable. Engineers working in these areas are expected to not only secure systems against digital attacks, but to also prevent the unintentional transmission of data through electromagnetic waves.

A few other key benefits of TEMPEST are as follows:

• Enhanced confidentiality
• Regulatory compliance
• Reduced risk of espionage
• Improved security measures

In short, TEMPEST is important because it effectively mitigates the risk of unintentional data leakage through electromagnetic emissions.

TEMPEST Classification Levels Explained

The TEMPEST classification levels highlight the extent of protection required to control electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Each level represents a specific degree of security, which is tailored to various operational environments.

The chart below explains the different classification levels of TEMPEST:

The chart outlines TEMPEST levels A, B, and C, each representing different standards of electromagnetic protection. Level A offers the highest protection, Level B provides moderate protection, and Level C ensures a baseline level of security.

RED/BLACK Separation and Electromagnetic Shielding

TEMPEST incorporates RED/BLACK architecture for equipment processing National Security Information (NSI).  

RED refers to equipment processing NSI.  

BLACK refers to equipment processing non-NSI information.  

Processing means the circuits and systems that transmit, receive, generate, calculate, manipulate, route, switch, graph, store, archive, print, scan, NSI.  The RED/BLACK areas are identified in physical and electrical classifications; these areas need physical separation and/or installation of electromagnetic shielding products The objective is to  decrease the probability of electromagnetic emissions from RED devices coupling to BLACK systems.   

How MAJR Products Can Help

MAJR Products offers electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding products to protect against electromagnetic emissions. Our shielding solutions are engineered to reduce electromagnetic interference through the coupling of radio waves, electromagnetic fields, and electrostatic fields. By providing effective barriers against EMI and RFI, our products help organizations comply with TEMPEST standards, which are crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data.

We understand the complexity of your product specifications and are here to support you. Trust us to provide expert guidance on shielding solutions and help you source the right products to achieve regulatory compliance. Contact MAJR Products today.