Advanced Cybersecurity Architectures for Protecting Sensitive Military Information Systems

Abstract

Protecting sensitive military information systems requires architectures that combine rigorous isolation, adaptive defense, and verifiable trust across hardware, software, and human factors. This paper examines a layered architecture that integrates Zero Trust principles, microsegmentation, hardware roots-of-trust, secure supply-chain practices, and AI-assisted threat detection and response. We analyze design patterns that reduce attack surface, prevent lateral movement, and provide measurable assurance for critical missions. Emphasis is placed on resilient communications, policy-driven identity and access management, and the role of hardware-backed attestation in defending against firmware and supply-chain compromises. The paper also evaluates the trade-offs between security, latency, and operational complexity in constrained or contested environments, and proposes mitigations such as adaptive policy profiles, deterministic fail-safe modes, and mission-aware risk scoring. Finally, we present a set of implementation recommendations and verification strategies — including continuous validation, red-teaming, and formal methods for security-critical modules — to guide deployment in real-world military contexts. The approach aims to balance stringent confidentiality and integrity requirements with maintainability and rapid response capability, enabling national defense systems to operate securely even under advanced persistent threat scenarios.