Spoofing Network Architectures in Response to Hostile Reconnaissance

The DataSoft Network Obfuscation and Virtualized Anti-reconnaissance system (NOVA) detects hostile network reconnaissance and denies access to real network information while simultaneously providing false network information to attackers. This results in attackers expending significantly extra time and effort, allowing defenders additional time to mount an appropriate response. NOVA is a novel distributed system consisting of independent autonomous agents that combine lightweight virtualization, attacker classification, dynamic rerouting for asset protection, and diverse mechanisms for provision of false information to attackers. The NOVA design and architecture documentation along with the preliminary system/software requirements provides a good baseline for developing a fully functioning system. Our Phase I minimal software prototype demonstration proves the feasibility of our core concepts.