Defending Cyberspace with Software-Defined Networks
ABSTRACT
Software-Defined networking (SDN) presents a new way of thinking about and operating communication networks that is revolutionizing the networking industry. This paper first describes how a core tenet of SDN—a logically centralized network control plane—enables dynamic, fast, and predictable changes in network behavior. Next, the authors show how network operators can use this capability to transform defensive cyber operations from today’s labor-intensive, static processes into automated, agile responses that are capable of dealing with tomorrow’s cyber threats.
AUTHORS
Technology Directorate National Security Agency
Garth Bishop is the lead for the National Security Agency’s SDN security and policy solution. As such, Garth is responsible for shaping and implementing secure SDN practices while ensuring government security compliance. Garth is a member of the Information Technology Development Program, utilizing skill sets in vulnerability analysis and network security. Garth holds a B.Sc. in Information Technology from the University of Central Florida and expects to receive his M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School in June 2015.
Technology Directorate National Security Agency
Steven Boyer serves as the lead of NSA’s SDN Operational Development team. In this capacity, Steven is responsible for developing mission-critical applications for implementing SDN in a Campus Area Network as well as vital troubleshooting capabilities that will provide a seamless transition from traditional networking approaches to SDN solutions. Steven also leads NSA’s OpenStack implementation of SDN where he is deploying and testing SDN solutions to explore the advantages of using SDN in an OpenStack data center environment. Steven holds a B.S.E.E from the University of Maryland.
Technology Directorate National Security Agency
Matthew Buhler serves as team lead for the NSA’s Storage Cloud Implementation of SDN and is responsible for developing and implementing a global SDN infrastructure, providing connectivity within and between storage cloud data centers. Prior to joining NSA, Matthew worked as a systems engineer, designing test procedures and methods for network security related tasks. Matthew also worked as a network and security penetration tester, focusing primarily on network switches and routers to identify weaknesses in design. Matthew holds a B.S.E in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
Technology Directorate National Security Agency
Alex Gerthoffer serves as the lead for the NSA’s campus area network SDN solution. Alex is responsible for developing and implementing SDN OpenFlow applications, which will be used to transport network traffic at the agency’s branch office locations, while also focusing on increasing end-point protection. Alex is a member of the Information Technology Development Program, which has provided him with a well-rounded set of information technology skills. Alex holds a B.Sc. in Computer Security from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, and expects to receive his M. Sc. Information Assurance from Dakota State University in May 2015.
Technology Directorate National Security Agency
Bryan Larish serves as Technical Director for Enterprise Connectivity and Specialized IT Services at the NSA where he is responsible for setting the technical direction of the development and operation of NSA’s global network infrastructure. Prior to joining NSA, Bryan worked in the Chief Engineer’s office at the U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). In that role, he was responsible for implementing engineering techniques used to manage, architect, and plan the U.S. Navy’s communications/IT systems portfolio. Bryan’s other experience includes Technical Director for all Navy engineering policy and various engineering roles at SPAWAR. Bryan holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University.
Published In
Journal of Information Warfare
The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.
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