Power Tool for Countering Cyberwar: Visualizations for Information Assurance and Computer Network Defense

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Gualtieri ◽  
William C. Elm
Keyword(s):  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Computer Network ◽  
Information Assurance ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Cognitive Systems Engineering ◽  
Network Defense ◽  
Decision Aiding ◽  
Computer Network Operations ◽  
Network Operations ◽  
Computer Network Defense

There has been a growing need for military decision-makers to maintain the integrity of the information contained within their computer network. Tools to support Information Assurance and Computer Network Defense (IA-CND) are needed to defend their information infrastructure and conduct Computer Network Operations with a new level of insight and understanding. This paper describes one effort to develop visualizations to aid these decision-makers in the highly abstract, complex and dynamic mission of IA-CND. This paper describes the development of a IA-CND Communications Display. Using a Cognitive Systems Engineering methodology, this project transitioned from a broad description of a work domain, to the development of decision aiding concepts for a particular portion of that domain. This methodology also provided a means to develop breakthrough support for a decision difficult domain.

An Approach for Description of Computer Network Defense Scheme and Its Simulation Verification

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Wei ◽  
Chunhe Xia ◽  
Yang Luo ◽  
Xiaochen Liu ◽  
Weikang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Computer Network ◽  
Network Defense ◽  
Computer Network Defense

Ecological Interface Design for Computer Network Defense

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 610-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Bennett ◽  
Adam Bryant ◽  
Christen Sushereba
Keyword(s):  
Interface Design ◽  
Computer Network ◽  
Technical Problem ◽  
Direct Perception ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Ecological Interface Design ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Network Defense ◽  
Ecological Interface ◽  
Computer Network Defense

Objective: A prototype ecological interface for computer network defense (CND) was developed. Background: Concerns about CND run high. Although there is a vast literature on CND, there is some indication that this research is not being translated into operational contexts. Part of the reason may be that CND has historically been treated as a strictly technical problem, rather than as a socio-technical problem. Methods: The cognitive systems engineering (CSE)/ecological interface design (EID) framework was used in the analysis and design of the prototype interface. A brief overview of CSE/EID is provided. EID principles of design (i.e., direct perception, direct manipulation and visual momentum) are described and illustrated through concrete examples from the ecological interface. Results: Key features of the ecological interface include (a) a wide variety of alternative visual displays, (b) controls that allow easy, dynamic reconfiguration of these displays, (c) visual highlighting of functionally related information across displays, (d) control mechanisms to selectively filter massive data sets, and (e) the capability for easy expansion. Cyber attacks from a well-known data set are illustrated through screen shots. Conclusion: CND support needs to be developed with a triadic focus (i.e., humans interacting with technology to accomplish work) if it is to be effective. Iterative design and formal evaluation is also required. The discipline of human factors has a long tradition of success on both counts; it is time that HF became fully involved in CND. Application: Direct application in supporting cyber analysts.

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