Public Sector AI: Secure Deployments Without Cloud Entanglements

By Gwylym Owen — 18–24 min read

Executive Summary

Public sector teams need AI that operates in restricted networks and air‑gapped environments. AethergenPlatform can package models and datasets with SBOMs, signed manifests, and offline dashboards so procurement and security teams can approve deployments without internet access as of September 2025.

Requirements: The Hard Limits

These are the rules of the game, and we’re playing to win:

• No Live Internet: Only removable media (e.g., USB drives or DVDs) gets the job done—cloud’s off the table!
• On-Prem Verification: Signatures and hashes checked right there with your trusty kiosk—trust but verify!
• Offline Evidence: HTML and PDF dashboards (e.g., `utility_report.html`) for auditors to pore over without a network.
• Access Controls: Role-based access with logs—who’s in, who’s out, all tracked!
• Audit Trails: Every move logged (e.g., installation timestamps) for that paper trail the suits love.

Delivery

Delivery approach:

• Signed Tarballs: Compressed packs with manifests and SBOMs, locked with a digital handshake via `KeyManagementService`.
• Policy Packs: Configurable rules (e.g., threshold limits) to match mission requirements.
• Device Profiles: Optimized for your gear (e.g., Jetson Orin NX at 30W, INT8 mode) to keep it humming.
• QR‑Verifiable Manifest Labels: Scan a label and the kiosk displays the manifest hash for verification.

Evidence: Proof You Can Touch

Here’s the meaty proof to back it up:

• Operating-Point Utility: Metrics with confidence intervals (e.g., 0.75 [0.73, 0.77] at 1% FPR)—no guesswork!
• Segment Stability Summaries: Stability across regions or shifts (e.g., < 2% delta) in a neat table.
• Privacy Probe Reports: Membership advantage (e.g., 0.03 below 0.05) and attribute checks, with optional DP budgets (e.g., ε=2.0).
• Change-Control Logs: `.aethergen/change-log.json` tracks updates, signed for your peace of mind.

Use Case Example: Lab Lockdown

Scenario: A top-secret lab needed detectors in an enclave—no cloud, just grit!

• Setup: Deployed signed tarballs, verified hashes on-site, and fired up offline dashboards.
• Result: Security gave a thumbs-up, SBOMs were filed, and evidence showed 0.74 utility with < 1% stability drift.
• Win: Approval zipped through in 3 days—beat the usual months-long slog!

Use Case Example: Defense Depot

Scenario: A defense site wanted secure monitoring offline.

• Setup: Delivered via USB with QR labels, policy packs, and HTML evidence.
• Result: Privacy probes passed (0.02 advantage), and self-tests confirmed setup in 2 hours.
• Win: Audit cleared remotely, saving travel costs and time!

Deployment SOP

1. Receive Media: Pop in that USB or DVD—check for scratches first!
2. Verify Signatures: Kiosk scans QR, matches hashes—trust established!
3. Install & Self-Test: Run the golden set, generate a ticket—proof of life!
4. Log & Store: Record in audit trail, stash evidence locally—done and dusted!

FAQ

Can we receive private annexes?

Yes—bundled separately with their own manifests and controls.

How do we handle updates?

Use signed media, let the kiosk verify the manifest, and log self‑test tickets.

What if hardware fails the self-test?

Rollback to the last good image, re‑run tests, and escalate per SOP.

Glossary

• Air‑Gapped: Fully offline environment.
• SBOM: Software Bill of Materials—your supply chain’s resume.
• Manifest: The signed list proving what’s what.

Checklist

• Media Received: Check—USB intact?
• Signatures Verified: Kiosk says yes—green light!
• Self-Test Passed: Golden set rocks—ticket in hand!
• Evidence Stored: Dashboards and logs safe—audit-ready!

Device Profiles: Tailored to Your Gear

• Jetson Orin NX: INT8, batch=1, p95≤25ms, 30W cap—lean and mean!
• Industrial PC: FP16, batch=2, p95≤18ms, fan curve B—powerhouse mode!
• ARM SBC: Q4 quant, batch=1, p95≤40ms, throttle-ready—budget champ!

Security Matrix: Covering All Angles

threat, control, evidence
signature_spoof, hash_verify, kiosk_log
data_leak, access_control, audit_trail
update_tamper, signed_media, manifest_hash
  

Offline Dashboard Sample

Utility@OP: 0.74 [0.73,0.75]
Stability: < 1% delta (regions)
Privacy: 0.02 advantage (PASS)
  

Procurement Playbook

• Review SBOM: Check dependencies—any surprises?
• Verify Evidence: Dashboards match OP claims—spot check!
• Sign Off: Attach manifest IDs to contract—seal the deal!

Closing

Air‑gapped and restricted zones need AI that brings its own proof. AethergenPlatform delivers signed packs and offline dashboards to keep public‑sector missions secure and efficient.

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