Introduction to Cybersecurity Research
A team of researchers from Slippery Rock University (SRU) and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, are working together to develop progressive solutions to defend against cyberattacks. The team, consisting of Cory Haser, a senior computing major at SRU, Nitin Sukhija, assistant professor of computer science at SRU, and Elizabeth Bautista, manager for the Operations Technology Group at NERSC, are exploring using augmented and virtual reality technologies to boost cybersecurity operations in high-performance computing data centers.
The Challenge of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity specialists face significant challenges in managing stress and monitoring multiple cyberattacks in real-time. The team’s research goals to handle these challenges by developing a framework that mixes augmented and virtual reality technologies with cybersecurity and high-performance computing environments. This approach is recent and progressive, and the team believes it has the potential to extend efficiency, eliminate risks, and save money and time.
The Role of Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality superimposes computer-generated images on a user’s view of the true world, while virtual reality creates computer-generated simulations of three-dimensional environments. The team is developing software applications that utilize these technologies to help cybersecurity specialists in navigating data centers and detecting potential threats. The applications will provide visual markers and simulated environments to assist specialists discover and reply to cyberattacks more effectively.
Real-World Applications
The team’s research has real-world implications, particularly for giant data centers like NERSC. In the event of an evacuation or environmental issue, staff could also be unable to physically access the info center. The augmented and virtual reality technologies being developed by the team would allow specialists to remotely monitor and diagnose issues, potentially stopping or resolving problems more quickly. This technology may be useful for data centers that lack on-site expertise, as it might enable distant specialists to supply support and guidance.
Research and Development
Haser, the SRU student, has spent two weeks working on the project at Berkeley Lab, collaborating with Sukhija and Bautista. The team has received grants, including $4,759 through SRU’s Summer Collaborative Research Experience grant program, to support their research. They are presenting their findings on the Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing Conference in Chicago.
Conclusion
The team’s research is a major step forward in the event of progressive cybersecurity solutions. By combining augmented and virtual reality technologies with high-performance computing environments, they aim to create a more efficient and effective technique to defend against cyberattacks. The project demonstrates the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of applying knowledge and skills in recent and progressive ways. As Haser noted, "It’s been amazing to work at Berkeley Lab and within the cybersecurity and high-performance computing environment." The team’s work has the potential to make a major impact in the sector of cybersecurity, and their research will likely be closely watched by experts within the industry.
