Network Protection Mechanism and System

To address the U.S. Navy"s need for a sensor-based network defense architecture, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new NETwork PROtection mechanism and system (PRONET). PRONET will implement intelligent, collaborative sensors/defender modules that detect, geolocate, and completely insulate attacks on a network. Innovations in the architecture and the built-in algorithms will enable PRONET to detect, deny, and track new and existing types of cyber attacks, protecting DoD networks against a large and evolving family of highly distributed and stealthy attack. When detected, intruders are redirected to a simulated network that acts as a decoy. This diversion gives attackers false network information and gives administrators the time and crucial information to take defensive actions. In Phase I, POC will develop PRONET"s conceptual framework and network-protection mechanisms and demonstrate its feasibility by assembling a prototype. In Phase II, POC plans to develop an advanced prototype to reliably protect wired and wireless networks against highly distributed, low-frequency attacks. This prototype will demonstrate the robustness of PRONET and show that it can detect and defend against these attacks.