The United States Navy is seeking to join forces with private sector partners to further develop its groundbreaking "PARANOID" blockchain technology, designed to safeguard software against cyber threats during development and deployment. This pioneering system, created by the Naval Air Warfare Center's Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Lakehurst, New Jersey, has far-reaching potential beyond its initial application in securing avionics software for the US Navy.

PARANOID's innovative approach utilizes blockchain technology to verify files across nodes at every stage of software development, creating an immutable ledger of activity. This robust system detects and prevents malicious attempts to tamper with code or files, ensuring the integrity of software development. By registering every action taken by developers as an entry on the PARANOID blockchain, the system provides a transparent and secure record of activity.

The US Navy is now seeking private sector partners for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance PARANOID's capabilities. According to TechLink, the US Department of Defense's technology transfer partner, the ideal partner would be a company interested in developing solutions for securing software supply chains. This collaboration aims to refine PARANOID's scalability and gather feedback from industry experts.

While PARANOID marks the US Navy's first proprietary blockchain invention, the US military has previously explored blockchain technology. Both the US Air Force and US Navy have partnered with SIMBA Chain, a data exchange that leverages blockchain to secure supply lines. This latest initiative demonstrates the Navy's commitment to harnessing blockchain's potential for enhanced software security. By joining forces with private sector innovators, the US Navy aims to propel PARANOID forward, paving the way for secure software development and cyber resilience.