5 Interconnection

5.1 Technical Policy Statements

5.1.1 Networks

Agencies are to interconnect networks using TCP/IP. IPv4 is acceptable for existing implementations. New implementations should adopt IPv6 with the ability to maintain backward compatibility for IPv4. By 2004 all implementations will adopt IPv6 as the standard.

5.1.2 Mail

Agencies will use SMTP to support email.

5.1.3 Directory

Agencies that require directory interconnection are to use LDAP v 3.0 for new inter-agency initiatives, while maintaining backward compatibility with LDAP v2.0.

Agencies will use DNS for Internet name-to-IP resolution

Notes: Agencies that require interconnection are to ensure that they are aware of the S.E.E. activities and recommendations with regards to Directories .

5.1.4 Authentication

Agencies that require Authentication for electronic transactions between agencies are to be aware of and adhere to directives and recommendations from the S.E.E. project. Refer to S.E.E. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

5.1.5 Security

Protectively marked data will be handled and transmitted in accordance with the provisions of the GCSB SIGD publication.

Where data exchanges require encryption, SSL v 3.0 128bit is the minimum recommendation for transport security. Where data exchange is to be secured with digital key technology, agencies are to adhere to the S.E.E. PKI requirements, i.e. using X.509 digital certificates.

Secure e-mail transfers are to adhere to the S.E.E. mail specifications. Also refer to the data exchange section of this document for current S/MIME specifications.

5.1.6 File Transfer

Standards for data transfer between agencies, including database interconnectivity, across networks are HTTP (or) for large transfers FTP. Where FTP is used, restart and recovery facilities are to be used.

5.2 Standards and Guidelines