Secure by design: A standards-based approach to mission-critical protection

Public safety organizations depend on instantaneous, trustworthy voice and data. When every transmission can influence an outcome, security isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a foundational part of mission-critical operations. That’s why at Tait, we design and validate our systems against open, internationally recognized standards and adopt a layered approach to protecting users, networks, and information.

Why P25 interoperability standards are critical for secure communications

Open standards such as the TIA Project 25 (P25) standards, are the backbone of interoperable, secure communications. They allow agencies to mix equipment from different vendors, scale systems over time and verify security features against published specifications.

Tait is proud to actively participate in this work and build standards-compliant products to simplify multiagency, multivendor environments.

The P25 protections that matter for public safety agencies

P25 provides robust end-to-end protections that translate directly into operational security for public safety and other mission-critical organizations. These protection features include:

• Strong encryption – AES is the de facto cryptographic standard for P25 secure voice and data. Tait P25 systems are designed to support end-to-end AES (including 256 bit), ensuring only authorized listeners can access sensitive traffic.
• Key management at scale – P25 standards define Over-the-Air Rekeying (OTAR), enabling secure, wireless distribution of encryption keys across large fleets. Other standardized elements such as Key Management Facilities (KMFs) and Key Fill Devices (KFDs) help enforce security policy and streamline logistics. Tait EnableProtect KMF centralizes key lifecycle tasks, and our KFD enables secure, efficient infield key loading.
• Enhanced security with Link Layer Encryption (LLE) –  Currently in the process of being defined by the Project 25 Interface Committee’s Encryption Task Group, LLE will provide a further layer of security to all call traffic, whether carrying data or voice payloads. 
• Identity proof with Link Layer Authentication (LLA) – LLA verifies that a subscribing radio is legitimate before it can participate in trunked operations. This closes a longstanding gap where an unauthorized device might attempt to register to an otherwise secure network.

Further reading: Learn more about how LLA works and why it matters for day-to-day security in PTIG’s P25 Authentication white paper

These capabilities translate directly into operational security for frontline users. Tait P25 mobiles and portables are both excellent examples of these features in action, supporting end-to-end encryption (including AES), OTAR, and KFD for enhanced security.

Verifying security and interoperability with independent P25 CAP compliance

Security is only meaningful when it’s verifiable. Tait operates an accredited P25 Compliance Assessment Program (CAP) laboratory in Christchurch where we test P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 subscriber and repeater performance against the latest CAP requirements. These requirements are overseen by the Department of Homeland Security and provide independent, third-party assurance that equipment from different vendors meets published standards.

Agencies can review results directly on the Approved (Grant Eligible) Equipment list. Use the filters to determine what products from Tait (or other vendors) have passed CAP testing.

How Tait designs secure P25 systems

At a foundational level, strong design practices can positively influence the security of a system, both from the system side and the product side.

Tait’s professional services include detailed system design to ensure each critical communications system is fully optimized to meet operational needs – including any known security issues or challenges. Tait also offers planning and migration support to help agencies evolve their networks securely and efficiently.

On the product side, both the Tait 9900 Series and the Tait 9800 Series exemplify our in-depth approach, featuring:

• FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified crypto module
• AES/DES/ARC4 algorithm support to meet mixed fleet realities
• OTAR, KMF, and KFD support
• Tait EnableProtect Advanced System Key (ASK) to strictly control who can configure and program your radios.

This is in addition to the authentication systems Tait supports including SSO on the P25 Fleet Manager and the Regrouping Manager as well as 802.1X on some base stations and LDAP/Radius and HTTPS. These are the practical controls agencies use to enforce separation of duties and prevent unauthorized changes in the field.

The benefits of P25 standards for mission-critical organizations

For public safety and other mission critical users, 'secure’ must mean proven, interoperable, and manageable. That’s why Tait is so focused on building to open standards, participating in the ongoing development of those standards and validating compliance through independent programs like P25 CAP.

By aligning with P25 standards, agencies gain:

• Interoperability – seamless communication across multi-vendor, multi-agency environments
• Future-proofing – the ability to adopt new features and improvements as standards evolve
• Confidence in compliance – independent verification that equipment meets rigorous security benchmarks
• Operational assurance – robust protections like AES encryption, OTAR, LLA, and ASK that directly support frontline security

If you’re reviewing your communications security posture, our professional design services can help map P25 standards-based features to your operational risk model and design a roadmap that strengthens protection without disrupting daily operations.

That’s our commitment: security without compromise, aligned to the standards public safety depends on.

Get in touch today to talk to us about your requirements.