by Uzi Eilam
“What exactly do you think we’re missing here? Is my algorithm for dealing with multiple simultaneous events failing to meet the system’s needs? Did you look into expanding Deutsch’s ideas for designing several parallel systems?”
“Yes, Gideon, it looks promising, but the devil is in the details… I’m afraid we’ll run into unexpected obstacles when we expand the system. Which brings me to examining the role of the industries in Singapore.”
“What’s worrying you? Dr. Chang Mei committed to putting the industries at our disposal in order to carry out whatever is required. From the little we know of her, I can’t imagine a situation where the industries disobey her.”
“I still don’t see them actually coming through for us,” Dan replied, “and I still don’t feel like we’re closing the gap between the threats and the solution the IOT system is supposed to provide. In the meantime, I’m concerned about time leaking through my fingers.”
“I’m willing to talk to General Tan and spur him into reaching an agreement with the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense regarding assistance from the WIN Corporation’s labs. But let’s include Dr. Deutsch and Dr. Chang Mei in a consultation to examine the situation.”
“Rogel should take part in it too,” Dan commented.
“Oh, of course,” Gideon concurred.
***
“I convened this urgent meeting,” Gideon began, once Deutsch, Chang, and Rogel were sitting down in Dan’s little room in the technology lab, “to see what kind of progress we’re making in constructing the defense version of the full IOT system. Dan, I suggest that you tell us a bit about the topics that are on your mind. You know better than us where the mines lay. I, for one, can testify that I have no idea about cyber issues and the IOT configurations.”
“Good morning to you all, and thanks for coming,” Dan said. “I’ll try to focus on the most problematic obstacles to constructing an IOT-based defense system for Singapore. Even at this preliminary stage, it’s important for me to say that if the solution we’re working on is found to be effective, it might also provide answers for additional countries, primarily Israel and the United States. I’ve noted—even in the pilot phase—that the sensors installed to protect the shipping container terminal aren’t fully providing the goods. I’m talking mostly about two of the five types of sensors that we’ve decided to incorporate in the pilot.”
“What’s the problem with the sensors?” Deutsch asked.
“A slow reaction time and massive energy consumption,” Dan replied immediately.
“And the solution?” Deutsch asked.
“The problem will almost certainly disappear if we use gallium nitride components,” Dan responded.
“Do you feel confident, Dan, about transitioning from a pilot, which is a limited-scale prototype, to a full system?” Dr. Chang chimed in.
“Not entirely. I’m also troubled about the manner in which your industries will fit in. The electronics company engineers still haven’t gotten in touch with me, and I haven’t met their cyber experts. In order to protect the port, we need quite a large number of sensors, but if we want to expand the defense network to other areas, the demand for these products will expand tenfold.”
“I think we should provide reinforcement for Dan, as well as tech support. The team could include a cyber defense expert from Singapore’s industries, as well as two experts from our embassy here,” Deutsch stated. “The first thing the technological team would deal with would be monitoring the pilot in the container terminal. I’d also add analysis of the data received from the defense arrays near the embassies. Drawing those conclusions will allow us to design the full IOT system and expand it to additional fields of defense against cyber attacks.”
“I agree with Deutsch,” Gideon said, “and I also suggest that we take communicating with industries about manufacturing sensors off Dan’s task list. I believe, Dr. Chang, that this is more up your alley. But we’ll have to compartmentalize the information about the algorithm and the framework of the intersensor communication. The industry should receive only the information it needs in order to manufacture the sensors.”
“If I may,” Rogel intervened, “we should remember that behind the cyber threats stands not just Iran, but mainly China. It would be appropriate to rely on Fang Quan Lin’s knowledge in that regard.”
“Rogel is right,” Dan agreed. “I feel pretty confident about the Iranians and the way they think about communication issues in general and cyber issues in particular. I have no problem incorporating that information into the algorithm that will manage all IOT defense systems. I’m quite certain that an element of adaptive flexibility can be incorporated into the defense system. This is an artificial intelligence attribute that can look ahead, prepare, and adjust for changes and improvements in cyber attack capabilities.”
“Adaptive flexibility is the name of the game here. But perhaps Mr. Fang could provide the background for understanding Chinese thought patterns in these areas. This is essential for our overall defense efforts,” Rogel said.
They agreed to meet again in the afternoon.
***
It was 3:00 p.m. by the time the technological team convened in the port manager’s office. General Tan’s message was unambiguous about the importance of communication between the port’s management and the technological team. After a presentation on the computerized system monitoring container conveyance, Dan stepped up to describe the preparations for activating the pilot for the port defense system. He described the sensors working in the fields of auditory surveillance, optics, communication, and computer software. Without revealing too much, he described how sensors had been attached to several containers, cranes, and other strategic points at the terminal. The port manager’s staff, the head of the Information and Technology Division, and the port’s security manager all listened to Dan’s presentation with surprise and interest.
While he was still speaking, an ear-splitting alarm filled the room. The security manager rushed off to the situation room, while the port manager used his control screen to show the visitors that a discrepancy in pinpointing the location of some containers had been detected. This conflicting information had automatically activated the alarm, he explained. There was a suspicion that an unfamiliar shipping container was present, the security manager announced over the port manager’s intercom. It was currently being checked out and attempts were being made to locate it.
“I suggest we let the port deal with the problem,” Dan said. “I’m going back to the lab, to my supervision station, to track what’s developing in the terminal from there.”
When Dan arrived at the lab, Gideon and Deutsch were already waiting for him. Dan was quickly scanning the information-laden screens, and he informed them that the suspicious container was full of explosives and people. Gideon immediately updated the port manager and Tan, who summoned the Counter Terrorism Unit to the terminal.
“I have the container number and the area where it’s located,” Dan declared.
This information was immediately conveyed to the port manager, who reacted with incredulity; he claimed that no containers were stored in the location Dan had pointed out. General Tan followed these developments tensely, while his office manager, who knew her boss well, pampered him with a steaming cup of tea and the chocolate cookies he was fond of.
The unit commander’s voice sounded over the loudspeaker. “General Tan, we can’t get to the terminal!”
“What’s going on there?” Tan cried out.
“Traffic is insane at the entrance to the port. I’m instructing my people to continue on foot.”
“Dan’s screens are showing us the unit’s fighters darting between cars on their way to the terminal entrance,” Gideon reported to Tan.
“What’s with the traffic jam? Exactly when we have no time to lose?” the general grumbled.
“We’ll have to
look into that once the incident is over,” Gideon said.
In the meantime, the unit arrived at the port, and the commander went up to the manager’s officer and received the data from Dan’s control screens directly from Gideon.
“We’ve entered the terminal, General Tan. We’re storming the container indicated to us,” the force commander reported.
After several dozen tense seconds came the force commander’s update: “This isn’t the container we were looking for. There were no explosive-related items, or people, inside.”
Dan focused on the information on his monitoring screens, knowing that every passing minute decreased the chances of thwarting the attack. He soon identified the mistake and quickly conveyed the information on the container’s number and location. Gideon passed the information on directly to the force commander, updating General Tan and the manager of the port.
“The container is under control!” the force commander declared over the two-way radio. “We’ve captured four armed men and neutralized them. There are lots of crates with explosives, electronic devices, and a few weapons.”
“Good job,” Tan said. “Watch out for any booby-trapped equipment the terrorists might have installed in the container,” he instructed the unit manager. “Transfer the captives immediately to the Counter Intelligence Division’s interrogation unit.”
Gideon, Rogel, and Deutsch shook Dan’s hand. Only now did he allow himself to breathe once more.
“What can you tell me about the obstruction of all roads leading to the port, Dan?” Deutsch asked.
“I don’t have an explanation, Deutsch. I’ll have to devote some time to analyzing the data that accumulated while the incident was taking place.”
“Right, Dan, you should try to clarify what was going on there,” Gideon said. “It could have been a random traffic jam. Singapore is known for the large number of vehicles on its roads.”
“General Tan wants to convene a meeting for preliminary investigation into the incident within fifteen minutes,” Damia informed Rogel. “Please let Gideon, Deutsch, and Dan know as well. I understand you’re all at the lab.”
“We are, Damia,” Rogel replied. “They’re here, and I’ll let them know. See you soon.”
Chapter 22
Facing a long day—including a flight to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, and meetings at the WIN Corporation—Dan and Gideon rose early. The buffet spread out across several tables was diverse, giving them the option of picking a European-, American- or Asian-style breakfast. Dan was still excited by the selection of exotic fruits. Gideon mentioned that the only fruit the hotel did not allow itself to serve was the durian. He explained to Dan that the reason for this was the fruit’s repulsive smell. The durian contained a unique combination of a hellish scent and a heavenly flavor. The world was divided between people who wouldn’t touch the fruit and those enchanted by its delicate taste.
“Now you have to explain to me exactly what we’re seeking in Taiwan,” Gideon requested once they sat down with their overloaded plates. “Why is this so crucial to your IOT system? Despite your explanations, I still haven’t really taken in the threats of cyber attack or the mysteries of IOT systems. What’s the difference, anyway? As far as I’m concerned, they should just give me some explosives and an automatic weapon, and I’ll feel right at home.”
“When it comes to the IOT, it all begins with its structure,” Dan began, moaning in pleasure in reaction to the taste of the breakfast entrees. “The full system requires lots of sensors, and they’re spread out in a lot of areas. The nature of their prescribed functions dictates minimal energy consumption and a very small scale. These requirements can only be provided by components made of a sophisticated material called gallium nitride. This is different from the standards applied so far with systems based on gallium arsenide semiconductors.”
“But why are the Americans and the Taiwanese the only ones who can manufacture these components?”
“They’re not the only ones who know the secret; so do European countries like France and Britain. The truth is, Gideon, we’ve been familiar with gallium nitride as a main component in light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, since the 1990s.”
“What’s the innovation, then?” Gideon asked.
“The firmness of the crystal, its mechanical stability, and its ability to function at high voltages and high temperatures make it the ideal semiconductor for the devices we need. The Americans are unwilling to share the secret of manufacturing such components even with their allies, while the Taiwanese appear to be a lot more open.”
“Good morning, my Israeli friends,” Deutsch called out from the entrance to the dining hall, his long legs carrying him to the table at which they were sitting in merely four strides. “Are you ready to leave for your flight to Taipei? We still have more than an hour.”
“Good morning, Deutsch,” Gideon replied. “Yes, there’s still time and, meanwhile, I’m learning some important things from Dan in preparation for visiting the WIN Corporation in Taiwan. Come join us, and maybe you could tell us what your people know about this company.”
“Based on everything I’ve heard from the federal agencies, it’s a serious, successful company. It’s currently headed by a Chinese executive who earned a PhD in communication from MIT in Boston. The man moved to Silicon Valley and, for a year, did his postdoctoral research and worked for an advanced communication company. The achievements of the company’s labs place it among the leading developers and manufacturers of semiconductors made of advanced materials like gallium nitride.”
“I have something important to add,” Dan interjected. “I didn’t have time to update you about this. This morning, when I popped into the technology lab, I saw that my system had intercepted some items of communication between the Iranian embassy in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing…”
“And…?” Gideon and Deutsch asked simultaneously.
“I think the Chinese know about our upcoming trip to Taipei.”
“Are you sure?” Gideon asked.
“Almost certainly.”
“I have no doubt China tracks everything that happens in Taiwan very closely,” Deutsch said. “They monitor the defense aid we Americans provide to Taiwan, and their surveillance emphasizes the technology that the country is developing, even though they don’t officially acknowledge it.”
“But what Dan is saying directly relates to our team! How did they obtain this information? Do you think they cover everything that goes on in Singapore?” Gideon did not hide his concern. “Do their capabilities resemble those of the NSA, at least here in the region?”
“If we’re talking about China,” Deutsch speculated quietly, “we have to assume they’ve managed to establish a communication surveillance network of the kind that a superpower is capable of creating. Your system…” He turned to Dan. “Should be protected against the most severe threat of both surveillance and cyber attacks, which is the Chinese threat.”
“Let’s not forget the Israeli aspect of China’s sensitivity. We all remember the crisis between Israel and China over Israel’s defense export to China. China labeled Israel as overly subordinate to the United States, and was angry at Israel for failing to honor its commitments.
“I’ll update General Tan on what we just talked about before we leave for the airport,” Gideon informed them.
“It’s better if you do it face to face,” Deutsch suggested. “We should start being a little paranoid. It can’t hurt.”
“Hold on a minute!” Dan called out. “If the Chinese have infiltrated that deeply, what’s to guarantee they won’t sabotage our deal with WIN?”
“We’ll have to look into that discreetly during our visit. I understand that the head of the Communications and Cyber attack Defense Department of Singapore’s electronics industry will be joining us. I’ve heard he has a track record of visits and meetings with WIN. He can help us with cl
arifications on protecting the Taiwan project,” Deutsch said.
“All right, I’m off to talk to Tan. I’ll be back at the hotel shortly,” Gideon announced, departing.
***
A long black limousine with tinted windows was waiting for the visitors from Singapore, next to the jet bridge at Taoyuan International Airport, along with a driver and a muscular bodyguard. A slim, beautiful Taiwanese woman greeted them in nearly accent-free English. A black designer dress hinted at the PR woman’s status. The limousine quickly took off, leaving one of the PR executive’s assistants to handle the passports. Gideon exchanged glances with Deutsch; both of them could recognize the indications of the corporation’s status as a political force to be reckoned with, beyond its technological achievements.
“Welcome to Taiwan and to the WIN Corporation,” the CEO greeted the visitors. The company’s executive conference room was designed based on the principles of feng shui. Soft lighting, delicate pastel-colored drapes, and pampering recliners imbued the attendees with calm. The manager waited for the Singaporean electronics executive to introduce the team members.
“I’m honored to host such a distinguished group, and we’ll be happy to assist Singapore—a neighbor and a friend—in any way possible. Since our company was founded in the year 2000, we’ve grown along with our human core of innovative, dedicated researchers. We continue to manufacture more than a million gallium arsenide components a year, and we’re among the handful of countries capable of manufacturing gallium nitride-based semiconductors. Later on, you can get an impression of the scale of the foundry, which includes thousands of square feet of clean rooms, at a level of less than a hundred half-micron particles per square foot of air.”
The rest of the presentation dealt with the manufacturing facility’s level of cleanliness, the rising production, and budget and profit statistics. Dan listened impatiently, thinking of the technical meetings that would take place immediately after lunch. It had been decided in advance that Dan and the head of the Communications and Cyber attack Defense Department of Singapore’s electronics industry would meet separately with WIN’s scientists in order to nail down component requirements and agree on their characteristics and dates of delivery.
