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GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation

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This report outlines how the GHOSTS (General HOSTS) framework helps create realism in cyber-warfare simulations and discusses how it was used in a case study.
Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

CMU/SEI Report Number
CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005
DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
10.1184/R1/12363029.v1
Subjects

Abstract

This report introduces the GHOSTS (General HOSTS) framework, the purpose of which is to create a high level of realism in cyber-warfare exercises by establishing and building behaviorally accurate, autonomous non-player characters (NPCs). The report outlines how the GHOSTS framework accomplishes the creation of simulations in which NPCs realistically represent a vast array of possible encounters and outcomes. The report concludes with a discussion of a case study in which the GHOSTS framework was used. Participants in the exercise reported high levels of realism, which in turn correlated with higher ratings for training value. These results indicate that the GHOSTS framework can be used to create training of the highest quality, effectively preparing cyber-warfare teams for success in real-world situations.

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GHOSTS Software and Supporting Materials
Cite This Technical Report

Updyke, D., Dobson, G., Podnar, T., Osterritter, L., Earl, B., & Cerini, A. (2018, December 3). GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation. (Technical Report CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005). Retrieved April 16, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12363029.v1.

@techreport{updyke_2018,
author={Updyke, Dustin and Dobson, Geoffrey and Podnar, Thomas and Osterritter, Luke and Earl, Benjamin and Cerini, Adam},
title={GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation},
month={Dec},
year={2018},
number={CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005},
howpublished={Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute's Digital Library},
url={https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12363029.v1},
note={Accessed: 2024-Apr-16}
}

Updyke, Dustin, Geoffrey Dobson, Thomas Podnar, Luke Osterritter, Benjamin Earl, and Adam Cerini. "GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation." (CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005). Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute's Digital Library. Software Engineering Institute, December 3, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12363029.v1.

D. Updyke, G. Dobson, T. Podnar, L. Osterritter, B. Earl, and A. Cerini, "GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation," Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute's Digital Library. Software Engineering Institute, Technical Report CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005, 3-Dec-2018 [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12363029.v1. [Accessed: 16-Apr-2024].

Updyke, Dustin, Geoffrey Dobson, Thomas Podnar, Luke Osterritter, Benjamin Earl, and Adam Cerini. "GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation." (Technical Report CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005). Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute's Digital Library, Software Engineering Institute, 3 Dec. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12363029.v1. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Updyke, Dustin; Dobson, Geoffrey; Podnar, Thomas; Osterritter, Luke; Earl, Benjamin; & Cerini, Adam. GHOSTS in the Machine: A Framework for Cyber-Warfare Exercise NPC Simulation. CMU/SEI-2018-TR-005. Software Engineering Institute. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12363029.v1

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