Defense in depth added to Malicious Activities Simulation Tools (MAST)

Abstract

With its ever-increasing reliance upon computers and networks in all facets of operation and administration, the U.S. military is becoming increasingly vulnerable to computer and network-based threats. Military technicians’ ability to prevent and mitigate these threats is a skill that must be learned and practiced; for this reason, the Malicious Activities Simulation Tool (MAST) was created. The ongoing training required to defend networks and ensure DOD network policies are implemented correctly is costly and time consuming. A solution was needed to facilitate training system operators and administrators in potentially inauspicious environments, and to be adaptable to emerging threats. Since the proposed solution is on local systems with communication traveling over untrusted networks, a defense in depth plan ensures no undue consequences occur during MAST use.