The Evolving Threat to Secure Data Centers
Government and classified data centers underpin national security, defense intelligence, and mission-critical communications. These facilities protect vast amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Classified National Security Information (CNSI) across multiple networks and enclaves.
Yet even within highly restricted environments, the wireless spectrum remains an under-monitored attack surface. Modern data centers utilize IoT sensors, building automation systems, and connected maintenance tools that operate efficiently via wireless protocols. Each of these devices, whether authorized or not, creates an opportunity for exploitation.
Adversaries and insider threats exploit these exposures using clandestine RF transmitters, rogue cellular modems, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi–enabled devices disguised as everyday equipment such as USB chargers, HDMI extenders, or environmental sensors. Once activated, these devices can collect or transmit sensitive data outside the facility, often without leaving a trace.
Why Traditional Security Tools Fall Short
Most secure facilities invest heavily in physical security and network defenses, including access controls, cameras, and firewalls. However, these systems protect only what they can see or connect with. The wireless environment (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IoT, and other RF communications) remains largely invisible to these tools.
Even physical measures, such as RF shielding and TEMPEST controls, while essential, do not provide continuous assurance. Shield degradation, improper maintenance, or insider introduction of transmitters can create unseen vulnerabilities between periodic Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA) inspections. Security strategies must therefore complement static protection with persistent, real-time RF monitoring to verify shielding performance and detect unauthorized signals.
Bastille: Continuous, 100% Passive Wireless Monitoring
Bastille Networks eliminates these blind spots through continuous, 100% passive monitoring of the operational RF spectrum, from 100 MHz to 6 GHz, and Wi-Fi, extending up to 7.125 GHz.
Unlike traditional RF scanners or handheld sweep devices, Bastille’s sensors operate silently with zero emissions, aligning with the emission-control requirements of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs), and other classified facilities. Because the system never transmits, it introduces no risk of interference with authorized communications or mission systems.
Bastille’s sensors detect, classify, and localize all wireless devices within or around a facility (including cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT devices), then display their positions and transmission characteristics on an interactive map. This visibility enables operators to identify rogue or compromised devices within a 1–3 meter range, confirm their type, and correlate them with nearby personnel or access events.
Securing Classified Operations
Bastille protects the full lifecycle of classified operations by delivering real-time visibility, forensic intelligence, and assurance of compliance. Within SCIFs, SAPFs, and Department of Defense (DoD) data centers, Bastille supports mission protection through:
- CNSI Safeguarding: Detects and localizes unauthorized devices that could transmit classified information beyond controlled boundaries.
- Insider Threat Mitigation: Identifies wireless-enabled personal or compromised devices introduced into secure spaces.
- Rogue Device Detection: Intercepts covert exfiltration tools leveraging LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
- Supply Chain Assurance: Flags commercial devices with undocumented or unauthorized wireless components.
- Operational Continuity: Provides 24/7/365 situational awareness without requiring downtime or manual sweeps.
Bastille transforms invisible wireless activity into actionable intelligence, helping security teams rapidly assess and neutralize threats before they compromise data or mission integrity.
Alignment with Federal and Defense Standards
Bastille’s Wireless Intrusion Detection System (WIDS) supports and strengthens compliance with U.S. government and defense cybersecurity frameworks, including:
- ICD 705 & ICD 503: Signal detection, shielding validation, and continuous monitoring for SCIF and SAPF operations.
- DoD 5200.01 & DoDI 8420.01: Prohibition and control of unauthorized wireless emissions within classified environments.
- CNSSI 7000 & CNSSI 1253: Detection and shielding controls for SCI systems.
- NIST SP 800-53: Wireless monitoring requirements under the Risk Management Framework (RMF).
- SECDEF 2023 RF Detection Memorandum: Directive mandating RF monitoring as a compensatory control for shielding limitations
This compliance-ready architecture enables government agencies to demonstrate full-spectrum monitoring during audits and accreditation reviews, including NISPOM, ICD, and DoD security inspections.
Integration with Mission Systems
Bastille integrates directly with existing enterprise and defense-grade platforms such as Splunk, ArcSight, QRadar, Lenel OnGuard, and Aruba ClearPass, enabling unified security management.
By integrating wireless data with physical access logs and network analytics, Bastille provides a comprehensive cross-domain operational picture that accelerates investigations and enhances decision-making. This integration supports zero-trust objectives by extending identity, verification, and monitoring controls into the wireless spectrum.
Bastille’s Common Event Format (CEF) and API-based architecture enable it to export event data to existing SIEM, SOAR, and ticketing systems, enabling automated incident correlation and response without requiring additional monitoring staff.
Trusted and Deployed Across Federal Networks
Bastille’s platform currently covers millions of square feet of U.S. government, intelligence, and defense infrastructure. The solution is NIAP Common Criteria–validated and field-proven in environments requiring Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances. The US Department of Defense has recognized Bastille under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA7146-21-S-C-0001 for its contributions to countering adversarial influence, AI/ML defense analytics, and RF-based situational awareness.
Complementing Shielding with Continuous Validation
While shielding and TEMPEST controls remain foundational to classified operations, Bastille’s continuous monitoring serves as a compensatory control, detecting failures and validating shield performance. When shielding degradation or rogue devices are detected, Bastille alerts operators to the affected zone and correlates wireless anomalies with access logs for rapid remediation.
This approach provides ongoing validation between CTTA inspections, transforming static physical defenses into dynamic, data-driven protection.
Conclusion: Continuous Wireless Assurance for Mission Success
As government and defense organizations modernize infrastructure and expand connectivity, the ability to see and control the entire wireless environment has become mission-critical.
Bastille provides that capability, offering persistent, non-intrusive visibility, policy alignment, and actionable intelligence across even the most restricted environments. By securing the invisible layer of communications that surrounds every system, Bastille helps classified and government operators maintain operational superiority, protect CNSI, and uphold public trust.
