3 Key Considerations When Building an Effective Cyber Fly-away Kit (FAK)

For professionals operating in cybersecurity or IT within the Department of Defense, cyber Fly-away Kits (FAKs) are mission-critical tools. When responding to remote deployments or securing on-the-ground environments, a well-equipped FAK ensures success. But not all Fly-away Kits are created equal.

 The integration of Network TAPs and Network Packet Brokers into your FAK can elevate its functionality, delivering secure, reliable, and packet-level data. This blog will explore the three essential considerations when building your Fly-away Kit and highlight how Garland Technology provides solutions engineered for this purpose.

1. Packet-Level Data Is Non-Negotiable

The primary mission of any cyber Fly-away Kit is to provide security and monitoring tools with access to packet-level data. Without this granular level of visibility, your tools simply cannot perform as intended. Data anomalies, cybersecurity threats, and network troubleshooting become guesswork, putting your mission and network ecosystem at risk. 

Why Packet-Level Data is Essential: 

• Comprehensive Traffic Visibility: Tools such as packet forensics, network detection and response (NDR), and other monitoring solutions rely on accessing, analyzing, and decoding packet-level data to function effectively. 

• No Blind Spots: Without Network TAPs and Packet Brokers, there’s no guarantee that all network traffic will be accurately mirrored. For instance, SPAN ports or improper configurations often result in packet loss or coverage gaps. 

Solution with Garland Technology:  

Garland Technology's Network TAPs and Packet Brokers ensure reliable, 100% packet-level data delivery to the tools in your FAK. Equipped to support networks from 10M to 100G, these solutions make certain that your monitoring and security systems receive all the data they need to function. 

2. Ease of Use Saves Time in the Field

When deploying Fly-away Kits, speed and reliability are critical. If your Network TAP or Packet Broker components are overly complex to configure or require additional software installations, you risk compromising both your team’s time frame and operational security. 
 

Roadblocks You Want to Avoid: 

• Cumbersome Configuration: Extensive deployment steps or requiring external tools to configure your TAP or Packet Broker eats up valuable time. 

• Software Dependencies: Needing to download updates or handle license expiration in remote locations can halt workflows. 

• Unintuitive Interfaces: Field operations necessitate quick and decisive action, meaning hard-to-navigate interfaces could prove disastrous during high-stakes situations. 
  

Solution with Garland Technology:  

Garland’s TAP and Packet Broker solutions are easy to configure to facilitate ease of use, removing the need for on-the-ground troubleshooting or additional tools. With plug-and-play simplicity, your team can focus on defending and securing the network, rather than configuring complex connections.

3. Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) Optimization is Crucial

Field-based operations require compact, lightweight, and low-power equipment. Adding bulky, heavy, or power-hungry components to your Fly-away Kit can lead to logistical challenges and reduced operational efficiency. 

The Risks of Overlooking SWAP: 

• Excessive Weight: Carrying additional cases for oversized equipment creates physical strain on deployment teams. 

• Large Footprint: Bulky equipment takes up unnecessary space, limiting the practicality of an easily deployable kit. 

• High Power Draw: Network TAPs and Packet Brokers that require heavy power inputs can restrict usability in environments with limited resources. 

Solution with Garland Technology:  

Garland’s modular product design prioritizes SWAP. Lightweight hardware, compact chassis, and power-efficient features make their Network TAPs and Packet Brokers an ideal choice for Fly-away Kits used in remote or resource-constrained deployments. 

Why Choose Garland Technology?  

 Garland Technology offers unparalleled solutions tailored specifically for cyber Fly-away Kits. Here’s why IT professionals and cybersecurity engineers rely on Garland for seamless deployments: 

• Scalability Across Networks: Support for IT and OT networks with speeds ranging from 10M to 100G ensures universal compatibility.  

• Extensive Product Line: Garland’s vast array of TAPs and Packet Brokers offers solutions for any operational environment—including rugged remote deployments.  

• Unmatched Innovation: Garland Technology prioritizes user control, delivering cutting-edge hardware that works without creating bottlenecks or blind spots. 
  
  

Build a Fly-away Kit That Works as Hard as You Do 

 Your Fly-away Kit shouldn't just be functional; it must be efficient, reliable, and adaptable to any deployment scenario. Garland Technology’s TAPs and Packet Brokers are purpose-built to ensure that your FAK delivers 100% packet-level data, simplifies setup for rapid deployment, and optimizes size, weight, and power for portability. 

Looking to add TAPs and Packet Brokers to your cyber Fly-away Kit, but not sure where to start? Join us for a brief network Design-IT evaluation or demo. No obligation - it’s what we love to do.