Data security

RÖS*-protection, protection against leaking signals

All electronic equipment generate electromagnetic signals that are spread in the air and can be eavesdropped from a large distant from the source. In some cases signals are intentional, as for example, for a mobile telephone that communicates with a base station. Other equipment, such as a keyboard or a computer screen, generates unintentional signals that can be eavesdropped with the right equipment. The obtained signals can be recreated to the original information without the knowledge of the user.

Another example is the unprotected wireless networks that are common today. There are several myths, but the truth is that some sources are easier than others and demands less eavesdrop resources. It is a fact that today’s computer based signal processing technology have made it considerable more available to eavesdrop signals from complex sources.

*RÖS has been officially defined by Sweden’s Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (ÖB) in the following manner; undesirable electromagnetic and/or acoustic signals generated by information processing equipment such as computers and peripheral equipment, word processors, computer terminals, remote typewriters, encryption devices and other telecommunications equipment etc. If processed by unauthorised individuals, these may lead to the disclosure of classified information.


From the customers need to a finished product

From identifying the customers needs to finish the development of a product can be complicated and take a long time. In the development of new RÖS-protected products, leakage of signals (RÖS) is measured in our laboratory. This is in order to evaluate the technical solutions, optimise the usability, and to maintain a low price for the customer. This demands a high competence and long experience by our engineers and technicians. As an effect of the protection of leakage of signals, the issue of avoiding the product from over-heating has to be dealt with. In the development of computer monitors we work hard to maintain the optimal picture quality despite the advanced RÖS protection.

When the work with the development of a new product has been finished, the product is sent to an independent laboratory that the FMV (The Defence Material Administration) uses. In the laboratory the product is being measured and a thorough documentation of the product and its components is done. During the production process all the components should be identical to the ones documented in the laboratory.

In serial production a number of random samples from every production series are sent to an independent measurement inspection. Thereafter independent inspectors from FMV can perform an ocular and a functional control. Finally they seal the units with a visible tape so it can be detected if someone has been trying to open the computer.

After service is done to a unit, it has to be thoroughly controlled and sealed again.


Here are our RÖS-protected products.