Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA)
ID: HR0011SB20254-12Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA)

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: DARPA

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: Phase II

Topic Link

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative proposals for the Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA) project, aimed at enhancing the security of Secure Messaging Applications (SMAs) against Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The primary objective is to model the attack surfaces of SMAs, identify security boundaries, and develop frameworks and tools to evaluate and ensure the effectiveness of defensive measures. Given the increasing reliance on SMAs for secure communications, this initiative addresses critical vulnerabilities in the applications' code, which presents a significant attack surface despite robust cryptographic protocols. Proposals for this Direct to Phase II (DP2) solicitation must demonstrate feasibility through existing work, with applications due by December 10, 2025, and further details available at the DARPA SBIR website.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1762382888981.pdf
    DARPA's Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA) initiative seeks to fortify secure messaging applications (SMAs) against advanced persistent threats. Despite strong cryptographic protocols, SMAs possess significant software vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. This Direct to Phase II (DP2) solicitation aims to develop novel approaches to model SMA attack surfaces, identify security boundaries, and create frameworks for evaluating protective measures. Proposals must demonstrate prior feasibility through technical reports, prototypes, and a strong understanding of computer science and vulnerability research. Phase II will focus on designing and developing prototype models and frameworks to defend SMAs, culminating in a demonstration of their efficacy. The program seeks actionable recommendations and tools to enhance SMA security for both developers and users, ultimately supporting national efforts in securing communications for military and commercial applications in Phase III.
    1762387305443.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking novel approaches to defend Secure Messaging Applications (SMAs) from Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The HR0011SB20254-12 program,
    1762560123525.pdf
    DARPA's Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA) project seeks novel approaches to defend Secure Messaging Applications (SMAs) from Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The project addresses the vulnerability of SMAs, which, despite secure cryptographic protocols, have software flaws exploited by attackers. The objective is to model SMA security risks, recommend defensive measures, and develop frameworks to assess and ensure the efficacy of these protections. Key technical challenges include characterizing SMA attack surfaces, developing frameworks for security boundaries, and creating tools to evaluate security features. This is a Direct to Phase II (DP2) solicitation, requiring proposers to demonstrate feasibility through existing work, technical reports, and expertise in computer science and vulnerability research. Phase II focuses on designing and developing prototype models and evaluation methods, culminating in a demonstration of compelling use cases. Phase III aims for the transition and commercialization of the prototype into viable military and private sector products, funded by non-SBIR sources, to enhance communication security and privacy.
    1762646519792.pdf
    DARPA's Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA) project seeks novel methods to defend Secure Messaging Applications (SMAs) from Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The project addresses the vulnerability of SMAs, which, despite secure cryptographic protocols, have software flaws exploited by attackers. The objective is to model SMA security risks, recommend defensive measures, and develop frameworks to assess and ensure the efficacy of these protections. Key challenges include characterizing SMA attack surfaces, identifying security boundaries, and evaluating security features. This Direct to Phase II (DP2) solicitation requires proposers to demonstrate feasibility through existing work, technical reports, and prototypes. Phase II focuses on designing and developing prototype models and frameworks, culminating in a demonstration of improved SMA security against real-world attacks. Phase III emphasizes transitioning the developed vulnerability framework into commercial and military applications to secure communications and mitigate risks.
    1762819319082.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking novel approaches to defend Secure Messaging Applications (SMAs) from Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The HR0011SB20254-12 solicitation,
    1762905705183.pdf
    DARPA's Assessing Security of Encrypted Messaging Applications (ASEMA) project seeks novel approaches to defend Secure Messaging Applications (SMAs) from Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The project addresses the vulnerability of SMAs, despite their cryptographic protocols, by focusing on the security risks of the applications' code, which presents a significant attack surface. The objective is to model SMA attack surfaces, identify security boundaries, and develop frameworks and tools to assess and ensure the efficacy of defensive measures. This Direct to Phase II (DP2) solicitation requires proposers to demonstrate feasibility through existing work, with Phase II focusing on designing and developing prototype models and evaluation methods. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations for SMA developers and enable informed risk analysis for users, supporting both commercial and military applications in Phase III.
    PDF.html
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