Fight-Through Nodes (FTN)

ABSTRACT: Despite existing security efforts, DoD networks are susceptible to attack and compromise. For critical missions, it is necessary to"fight through"cyber attacks in order to achieve mission objectives. Such a"survivable"network would be capable of carrying on during an attack, continuing to provide critical services. The ATC-NY team will create the Fight-Through Node (FTN), a combined hardware/software system to enhance existing networks with survivability properties. Fight-Through Nodes are designed to replace nodes hosting mission-critical services in a network. Networks equipped with FTNs will be resilient, enabling critical processes to operate despite server compromises. In Phase I ATC-NY demonstrated feasibility of the FTN concept with a proof-of-concept simulator and benchmarking of critical processes. We produced a detailed design for implementation in Phase II. Finally, we developed a detailed commercialization strategy based on market research and are confident we can transition our FTN product into DoD and civilian enterprises. BENEFIT: As the DoD and private enterprise rely ever more heavily on their information systems, the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks continues to rise. ATC-NY's Fight-Through Nodes (FTNs) will improve the survivability of a network's critical server nodes, making it possible to fight through cyber attacks. Rather than being disabled by such attacks, servers providing mission-critical services will continue to operate in spite of successful host compromises. The DoD can use FTNs to replace critical nodes on Mission Assurance Category (MAC) I, II, and III DoD information systems. The mission assurance provided by FTNs will also appeal to critical infrastructure enterprises in the civilian sector (e.g., utilities, health care, financial, transportation).