Plans to add a data network security architecture to the seven layer model for Open Systems Interconnection are due to be revealed by the US National Security Agency later this month, according to Computer Systems News. The paper reports that at least 10 major computer and communications companies, including IBM, DEC, Motorola, Xerox and BBN Communications, have been working on development of the architecture and protocols under contract to the US Federal Government, and suggests that manufacturers that have already begun writing Open Systems code may have to re-write their software if they want to continue to do business with the US intelligence and defence agencies. The National Security Agency will provide details of the architecture, developed under a year-old Secured Data Network System programme, at the National Computer Security Conference in Baltimore, September 21, making specifications available so that vendors can make preparations to implement it in their products. The intention appears to be to add an eighth, security, layer to the seven layers of the model rather than try to tack security protocols onto any of the existing layers, thereby minimising the disruption caused by the move. The US government hopes that the International Standards Organisation will incorporate the security measures into its definition of the OSI model.
