TESTING DECEPTION WITH A COMMERCIAL TOOL SIMULATING CYBERSPACE

Abstract

Deception methods have been applied to the traditional domains of war (air, land, sea, and space). In the newest domain of cyber, deception can be studied to see how it can be best used. Cyberspace operations are an essential warfighting domain within the Department of Defense (DOD). Many training exercises and courses have been developed to aid leadership with planning and to execute cyberspace effects that support operations. However, only a few simulations train cyber operators about how to respond to cyberspace threats. This work tested a commercial product from Soar Technologies (Soar Tech) that simulates conflict in cyberspace. The Cyberspace Course of Action Tool (CCAT) is a decision-support tool that evaluates defensive deception in a wargame simulating a local-area network being attacked. Results showed that defensive deception methods of decoys and bait could be effective in cyberspace. This could help military cyber defenses since their digital infrastructure is threatened daily with cyberattacks.Marine Forces Cyberspace CommandChief Petty Officer, United States NavyChief Petty Officer, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited