System and Method for Active Cyberattack Defense
Description
The technology provides a software-programmable computer processor, actively defending the computer against cyberattacks while continuing to execute the desired program. The active defense consists of two phases: the detection of an attack and the re-programming of the system to render it ineffective. Detection of the attack is accomplished by using a set of encryption-based representations of the program instructions and data in the computer’s memory. A mechanism is in place to detect programs or instructions that are not created using the currently valid representation set. Additionally, it is possible to create a new representation set from an existing one or switch execution from one representation set to another.
Additional information
Patent number and inventor
16/907,050
Paul G. Flikkema, Bertrand Cambou, and James D. Palmer.
Potential applications
This technology is designed for use with cyber physical systems, public infrastructure, drug manufacturing, and water supply management and control systems.
Benefits and advantages
The technology was motivated by the need to radically alter the interface for cyberattacks of computer networks, particularly machines that are important for national security. Current computer systems are unable to detect attacks. With this technology, computer systems can react in a way that thwarts attacks. Also, the systems would continue to execute normally with little or no delay.
Case number and licensing status
2019-028
This invention is available for licensing.