Modeling cyber attacker tools and techniques

Code:

REACH-2022-THEMEDRIVEN-4PDIH_9

Domain:

Cybersecurity

Description of the DVC THEME

Digitalization has had a significant impact on our personal lives, economy, and businesses, as well as society as a whole. It has enabled us to be more productive, more efficient, and more resilient in face of large events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, with the proliferation of ICT and Internet connectivity into nearly every modern device, we have also significantly increased the vulnerable area for potential cyberattacks. Because now everything is connected, cybersecurity has become the “security of everything.” Tomorrow’s cyber threats will therefore not only compromise the data on our computers but will also attack the building blocks of our economy, society, and our critical infrastructure. In recent years, we have already witnessed several impactful cyberattacks globally, resulting in multimillion-dollar damages and high ransoms (e.g., ransomware attacks using crypto viruses). The projected extent of the damages caused by cyberattacks on the economy was estimated at $6 trillion in 2021 alone. 

From this point of view, better knowledge of the extent and mechanics of possible threats, as well as of the latest tools and techniques of attackers, is critical for a successful defense and will have a positive impact on the process of digital transformation of the economy and the society at large.

Sub-challenges composing this experiment:

Expected global results:

To create a data value chain that allows:

  1. To increase the overall security of modern ICT systems 
  2. To improve our understanding of modern targeted threats 
  3. To contribute to effective and efficient tools for cybersecurity prevention, monitoring and response 
  4. To increase the competitiveness of researchers and data analysts in the field of cybersecurity 
  5. To reduce total damages caused by cyberattacks globally