New protocol to debut at ICAM 2025 targets cybersecurity risks in Additive Manufacturing
A new data transfer protocol aimed at addressing cybersecurity risks in Additive Manufacturing will be formally introduced at the ASTM International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing (ICAM 2025) in Las Vegas, October 6-10, 2025.
Barrett Veldsman, founder of DEFEND3D, will present Secure Streaming Transfer Protocol (SSTP) during the Digital Thread and Cybersecurity track on October 7. The protocol is designed to replace traditional file-based transfers of Technical Data Packages (TDPs) with a streaming model that delivers encrypted manufacturing instructions directly to AM machines.
Unlike file downloads, which leave data stored on local hardware, SSTP allows data to be streamed in real time, reducing the risk of duplication, tampering, or long-term exposure. This approach is particularly relevant for defence and aerospace sectors, where secure, distributed AM is increasingly used for mission-critical applications.
The launch follows recent reports of advanced AI-generated malware capable of hiding in common file types. Such developments have renewed industry concerns over the vulnerabilities of current data handling methods, especially where AM is deployed in field or edge environments.
SSTP has been tested in collaboration with US military and research partners, with the goal of supporting more secure, agile AM supply chains.
