Air Force Cyber-Deception Counters Attackers

By Kris Osborn

…and track attackers and intruders with techniques designed to confuse and gather information about the malicious actors.

The service has begun a two-year public-private agreement with Galois, a private firm specializing in cybersecurity and IT dynamics.

The partnership is employing a number of next-generation practices such as the use of deceptive techniques designed to lure and track cyber-attackers.

Senior Air Force cybersecurity experts often emphasize that advanced techniques are increasingly in demand as adversaries become more sophisticated with their attacks.

“We have to be aware that there are dangers out there. The adversary is constantly evolving, changing and trying to get into our systems and exfiltrate information,” said Peter Kim, Air Force Chief Information Security Officer.

Galois executives talk about it as a broadened or more sophisticated version of a “honey pot” tactic which seeks to create an attractive location for attackers – only to glean information about them.

“Honey pots are an early version of cyber deception. We are expanding on that concept and broadening it greatly,” Adam Wick, research lead at Galois told Defense Systems in an interview.