RADICL: A Reconfigurable Attack-Defend Instructional Computing Laboratory

In order to provide a safe and separate system on which to train, test, and teach computer and network security, a Reconfigurable Attack-Defend Instructional Computing Laboratory (RADICL) was designed and implemented at the University of Idaho Computer Science Department. The reconfigurable network system is relatively inexpensive to build even through it supports several operating systems in a myriad of network topographies. University faculty and students can use the laboratory to understand attack scripts and other malware while devising defensive strategies and tools. Product developers could use the laboratory to test the defensive aspects of their products, including computer applications, operating systems, and netware. And system administrators could test various security concerns and be trained in the proper application of security principles without jeopardizing dayto-day operations on existing systems. This paper describes the rationale, design and implementation of the vision for RADICL. An in-depth description of the design and implementation of the lab is included.