Secure UTC Traceable Time to Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats

Secure UTC Traceable Time to Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats

UTC Traceable Time For All

Precise timing is essential to national security, especially in the face of growing cybersecurity threats.  As Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks, having an alternative time system is no longer just a scientific requirement but a matter of national security. For countries without their own GNSS systems, owning and operating time scale systems aligned with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) within their borders has become a crucial element of cybersecurity strategy. Syncworks’ unique ability to provide turnkey installation for timing systems includes a complete solution that safeguards critical infrastructure from disruptions to GNSS.

UTC, the global standard for time, underpins the synchronized transmission of frequency and timing signals. It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI), an average of over 300 atomic clocks from metrology labs around the world. Syncworks supports this global timekeeping network with our expertise and installation of systems like the 5071A Cesium Frequency Standard, the most widely used clock in TAI-contributing labs.

Though UTC is based on TAI, it adjusts periodically to account for Earth’s rotational variations, ensuring synchronization with astronomical events. This makes UTC the universal standard for timekeeping, used in both general and specialized applications.

The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) is responsible for managing UTC, working alongside global laboratories to ensure synchronization. Each lab maintains a local realization of UTC known as UTC(k), with “k” representing the lab or country. BIPM regularly publishes data comparing UTC with UTC(k), enabling labs to adjust their time scales to ensure that they remain synchronized to within just a few nanoseconds of each other.

National Time Scale: Shielding Critical Infrastructure from Timing Vulnerabilities

Syncworks’ turnkey installation services extend to providing Precise Time Scale Systems (PTSS), allowing countries to independently control their time sources. For nations without the resources to maintain their own GNSS constellations, deploying PTSS on their own soil is a powerful defense against GNSS-related timing disruptions. Our systems deliver industry-leading frequency stability, phase noise reduction, and operational reliability, making them the ideal choice for protecting critical infrastructure.

National Metrology Laboratories and UTC(k) Realization

National metrology laboratories play a key role in maintaining a country’s timekeeping standards, with many contributing to UTC through BIPM. Syncworks supports these efforts by installing advanced time scale systems that meet the rigorous demands of national labs. A country’s local time scale, known as UTC(k), is constantly compared to UTC using data published by BIPM. This ensures that UTC(k) stays closely synchronized with UTC, thanks to the precision of atomic clocks like those used in Syncworks’ turnkey solutions.

About Us Syncworks

Syncworks is a value-added stocking reseller of network sync and timing equipment for critical infrastructure companies. SyncCare and Field Services ensure your network equipment is flawlessly executed and supported. Our DC Power services ensure that the power is always on.

As a Microchip Diamond Partner, we maintain the largest and most diversified stocking supply of Microchip network sync & timing products to meet our customers’ every need when it comes to sync and timing technology.

How to Meet the Timing Requirements for Executive Order 13905

How to Meet the Timing Requirements for Executive Order 13905

Decoding the Significance of Executive Order 13905’s Timing Requirements

In our interconnected and technology-driven world, the proper functioning of systems reliant on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services is pivotal for various sectors. Acknowledging the significance of these services, Executive Order 13905 was instituted with the objective of enhancing national resilience through the responsible use of Timing Requirements. This article delves into the key components of the executive order and the implications it holds for various stakeholders.

Make GPS security a priority for 2025. Start here.

GPS Timing Requirements and Solutions

Syncworks can supply you with a turnkey PRTC solution to meet the timing requirements from Executive Order 13905. Resiliency, redundancy, and support after the sale is what will keep your timing in alignment with the demands of EO 13905.

Let’s breakdown each key objective and show how Syncworks can help you understand the implications of the intended goals.

Key Objectives and Measures of Timing Requirements Executive Order 13905:

The executive order outlines several objectives to achieve its intended goals, all centered around Timing Requirements:  

Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Government agencies and private sector entities are directed to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in their PNT-dependent systems. Mitigation strategies are then to be developed and implemented to enhance resilience against potential disruptions while meeting Timing Requirements.

Syncworks recommends: An audit performed by one of our Support Engineers. Here’s a link to our Sync Audits.

Public-Private Collaboration
Recognizing that PNT services are utilized across both public and private sectors, the order emphasizes the need for collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders. This partnership aims to facilitate information sharing, best practices, and coordinated responses in adherence to Timing Requirement.

Syncworks recommends: Let us consult on all critical infrastructure network, including public and private sectors. Here’s more information about vPRTC for Power Stations.

Additionally, Syncworks can design your network to reach the requirements of Executive Order 13905. As your timing partner, we specialize in designing and implementing efficient, secure, and scalable network solutions tailored to your specific needs. With a team of experienced professionals, we strive to deliver cutting-edge network designs that seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and help your network thrive.

Backup and Redundancy
The order encourages the implementation of backup and redundancy measures to ensure the availability of PNT services even in the face of disruptions while adhering to Timing Requirements. This could involve exploring alternative sources of PNT data or technologies that can provide reliable positioning and timing information.

Syncworks recommends: Primary Reference Time Clocks (PRTC) can deliver the back up and redundancy required by OE 13905.  Low earth orbit GPS signals, rubidium or crystal clocks in a box can also provide the back up needed.  Learn more about LEO here. We can do the audit and the design of your network to meet EO 13905. After the network is validated, you can depend on SyncCare to manage the all aspects of your timing to maintain it with accuracy.

Education and Awareness
To enhance understanding and awareness of PNT vulnerabilities, the order calls for educational initiatives aimed at promoting responsible use and cybersecurity practices among users of PNT services while adhering to Timing Requirements.

Syncworks educates at every turn to help stakeholders understand the equipment and the people required for ongoing timing excellence. 

Research and Development
The executive order highlights the importance of advancing research and development efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of PNT systems. This includes exploring innovative technologies that can enhance the accuracy, reliability, and security of PNT services while meeting timing requirements for Executive Order 13905.

Syncworks recommends: support for one the leading GPS authorities in the nation, GPS World.  Their research keeps the industry informed. In fact, it was GPS World that pushed back hard on the Department of Homeland Security in this article, calling the DHS report too late, too full of errors.

We think this kind of diligence will allow the US to meet the demands of any EO that deals with sync and timing from a GPS source.

GPS satellite orbits the earth

About Syncworks

Syncworks is a the national leader in turnkey network timing that includes GPS security. We are a trusted integrator to some of the nation's largest networks. Syncworks Field Services specializes in mission-critical communications infrastructure, offering a comprehensive range of services.

Core Services: Installation and Decommissioning Engineering, Furnishing & Installation (EF&I) Audits and Surveys Project Management

Power Systems: DC power plants and distribution Batteries and inverters Fuse panels, breakers, and fuses Primary and secondary power solutions

Infrastructure: Data cabling (Fiber and Coax) Substructure and ladder racks Relay racks and cabinets ISP and grounding systems

We also provide equipment recycling services.

For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234