The Role of ArcSight in Pentagon Cybersecurity and Cyberdefense

ArcSight is a key cybersecurity tool used extensively across U.S. military networks, including the Pentagon. It functions as a central system for monitoring and alerting on potential cyber threats by analyzing activity logs from various network components. The software helps identify suspicious patterns and potential intrusions in real time, making it crucial for protecting sensitive military data and communication systems. The Pentagon relies on ArcSight to safeguard its Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), which handles classified information.

HP Enterprise’s Decision to Allow Russian Review

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) allowed a Russian defense agency to review ArcSight’s source code as part of the process to obtain certification for selling the software to Russia’s public sector. This decision was driven by the need to comply with Russian regulations that require a review of foreign software to ensure it does not contain espionage tools. The review was conducted by Echelon, a company with ties to the Russian military, on behalf of Russia’s Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC).

Implications of Russian Access to ArcSight’s Source Code

Allowing a Russian defense agency to access ArcSight’s source code raised significant security concerns among U.S. experts. The primary worry was that the review could expose vulnerabilities in the software, potentially compromising U.S. military networks if these vulnerabilities were exploited. Although HPE stated that the review was closely supervised and no backdoor vulnerabilities were found, the potential for vulnerabilities to be discovered during the review process remained a serious concern.

Pentagon’s Cyber Defense Protocols and Reactions

The Pentagon did not require a source code review for purchasing ArcSight. Instead, the focus was on evaluating the security standards of vendors. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) assesses the security measures of the vendors rather than the specific code used. The Pentagon’s approach to cybersecurity involves continuous monitoring and evaluation of security standards, ensuring that software used in its networks meets stringent security requirements.

Transition to Micro Focus: Changes in Cybersecurity Review Practices

In September 2017, HPE sold ArcSight and other security products to Micro Focus International Plc. Under Micro Focus ownership, Jason Schmitt, head of the ArcSight division, indicated that such source code reviews by foreign entities are no longer part of their practices. The transition aimed to maintain ArcSight’s critical role in cybersecurity while potentially reducing exposure to international scrutiny that could pose security risks.

Broader Impact on International Tech Business and Security

The article highlights the broader implications of international source code reviews for U.S. technology companies. It underscores the tension between maintaining national security and pursuing business opportunities in countries with potentially adversarial relationships. The increasing demands for source code reviews by countries like Russia could lead to heightened scrutiny and potential security risks for U.S. firms, affecting their strategies and relationships in the global tech market.

Timeline of HP Enterprise Let Russia Scrutinize

Here’s a summary timeline of the key events on why did HP Enterprise let Russia scrutinize ArcSight?:

1. October 2, 2017: The article reports that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) allowed a Russian defense agency to review the source code of its ArcSight cybersecurity software, used by the Pentagon. The review was part of HPE’s effort to obtain certification to sell ArcSight to Russia’s public sector.

2. 2016: The review of ArcSight’s source code took place. Echelon, a company with ties to the Russian military, conducted the review on behalf of Russia’s Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC).

3. Current Context: At the time of the review, Washington was accusing Moscow of increasing cyberattacks against U.S. entities, including the Pentagon. The review raised concerns about potential security risks, although no specific hacks or espionage incidents were confirmed.

4. HPE’s Practices: HPE stated that the source code reviews were conducted under strict supervision at an HPE research center outside Russia to prevent any compromise. They emphasized that such measures ensure the code is not compromised, though experts warned that vulnerabilities could still be identified during the review.

5. Echelon’s Role: Echelon, responsible for the review, is linked to both FSTEC and Russia’s FSB spy agency. They claimed any vulnerabilities discovered were reported to both the developer and the Russian government, but specifics were not disclosed due to non-disclosure agreements.

6. Pentagon’s Response: The Pentagon did not require a source code review for the purchase of ArcSight and generally evaluates security standards used by vendors rather than specific code reviews. They did not comment on whether they were informed of the Russian review.

7. Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Micro Focus: HPE’s ArcSight software, critical for U.S. military cyber defense, was sold to Micro Focus International Plc in a transaction completed in September 2017. The current head of the ArcSight division, Jason Schmitt, stated that such reviews no longer take place under Micro Focus.

8. Broader Implications: Why Did HP Enterprise Let Russia Scrutinize ArcSight? Highlights the tension for U.S. tech companies balancing national security concerns with business interests in countries like Russia. It also mentions that other international firms have faced similar demands for source code reviews from Russia.

Non-Biased Analysis of Cyberdefense System used by Pentagon

U.S. Concerns:

• Risk of Exposure: U.S. experts worry that Russia could identify vulnerabilities, potentially undermining U.S. military cybersecurity.
• Strategic Tension: Allowing adversarial nations to scrutinize software integral to national defense is seen as a significant security risk.

Russian Perspective:

• Security Assurance: Russia seeks source code reviews to ensure foreign software doesn’t contain espionage tools, especially given the heightened distrust between the two nations.
• Business Interests: Russia requires such reviews for foreign companies to access its public sector market, emphasizing national security over commercial agreements.

Potential Future Threats:

• For the U.S.: Continued business practices like this could lead to the exposure of other critical systems, compromising national security. Future threats may include sophisticated cyber-attacks exploiting newly discovered vulnerabilities, rendering defenses ineffective.

• For Russia: The extensive review of foreign software might push the U.S. and other Western countries to restrict their technology exports to Russia, leading to a technological and cybersecurity disadvantage in the long term.

Both sides face strategic risks in a rapidly evolving cyber environment, where balancing national security with business interests becomes increasingly complex.

Who has the Moral High-Ground?

Determining who has the moral high ground in this debate is complex and depends on perspective.

U.S. Perspective: The U.S. might argue it holds the moral high ground, as exposing critical defense software to an adversary like Russia is seen as compromising national security. The primary concern is safeguarding against potential cyber threats that could endanger national and global stability.

Russian Perspective: Russia could claim the moral high ground based on the need to protect its own security by ensuring that foreign software isn’t used for espionage. They argue that scrutinizing the source code is essential to prevent potential hidden vulnerabilities that could compromise their national security.

HP Enterprises Perspective: From Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) perspective, the moral high ground can be viewed through their responsibility to balance global business operations with security obligations. HPE allowed Russia to review the ArcSight source code as part of a standard certification process necessary to access the Russian market. They argue that this decision was tightly controlled and necessary for business, but they also faced criticism for potentially compromising U.S. national security.

Neutral Analysis: Neither side may fully hold the moral high ground, as both are acting in self-interest. The U.S. aims to protect its national defense systems, while Russia seeks to protect its national security from potential foreign threats. The moral high ground is often subjective in such cases, with each side justifying its actions based on perceived threats and security needs.

Why Did HP Enterprise Let Russia Scrutinize ArcSight?

HP Enterprise allowed Russia to scrutinize ArcSight’s source code as part of the certification process required to access the Russian public sector market. This decision was likely driven by business motivations to expand their market reach in Russia, which necessitated compliance with Russian regulations that mandate a review of foreign software to ensure it does not contain espionage tools. However, this move sparked significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding the potential exposure of critical cybersecurity systems used by the Pentagon to a foreign power with adversarial intentions.

In essence, HP Enterprise faced a complex decision between maintaining global business operations and adhering to stringent security protocols, leading to criticism for potentially compromising U.S. national security for market access.

What was the Actual Impact of this Decision on US National Security?

Since 2017, there have been no specific, publicly attributed compromises directly linked to the decision by HP Enterprise to let Russia scrutinize the ArcSight source code. However, the controversy raised significant concerns about potential national security risks. The review by Russian authorities might have exposed critical vulnerabilities in ArcSight, a cybersecurity tool deeply integrated into the U.S. military’s networks, which could theoretically aid in cyber espionage or attacks. Although HP Enterprise claimed no vulnerabilities were found or exploited, the mere possibility has continued to raise alarms in cybersecurity circles.