Cloud Based C4I Systems: Security Requirements and Concerns

C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence) systems are critical systems of systems. These systems are used in military, emergency response, and in disaster management etc. Due to the sensitive nature of domains and applications of these systems, quality could never be compromised. C4I systems are resource demanding system, their expansion or up gradation for the sake of improvement require additional computational resources. Cloud computing provides a solution for the convenient access and scaling of resources. Recently, it is envisioned by the researchers to deploy C4I systems using cloud computing resources. However, there are many issues in such deployment and security being at the top, is focus of many researchers. In this research, security requirements and concerns of cloud based C4I systems are highlighted. Different aspects of cloud computing and C4I systems are discussed from the security point of view. This research will be helpful for both academia and industry to further strengthen the basis of cloud based C4I systems.