Information Operations Across Infospheres

OF ANNUAL REPORT The research reported in this annual report was carried out mainly at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. It describes the issues and challenges for information operations across infospheres and focuses on assured information sharing. We have examined three models: In the first model the partners of the coalition are considered to be trustworthy. In the second model, the partners are semi-trustworthy. In the third model the partners are untrustworthy. The report essentially consists of three parts. We first provide an introduction to the project as well as the developments during Year 3. Impact of this work is also discussed. This introduction was also presented at the AFOSR review in June 2008. In the case of trustworthy models we conducted experiments on data sharing vs. data policy enforcement and developed a prototype system during Year 1 and Year 2. During Year 3 we have developed an approach for group-based information sharing (Part 1). For the semi-trustworthy model we enhanced the research carried out during Year 1 and Year 2. We examined the use of game theory for extracting information from the partners and demonstrated with bioterrorism applications in Year 3 (Part II). For the untrustworthy model, we examined the use of data mining for defensive operations during Year 1 and Year 2. We continued with this research and developed new tools (Part III.A). In addition, we also designed techniques to handle offensive (i.e. active defense) operations (Part III.B). George Mason University (GMU) received a subcontract from the University of Texas at Dallas to examine the use of Role-based Access Control (RBAC) and Usage Control models for Coalition data sharing. The PI moved to UTSA and received the next phase of the funding to work on group-based information sharing (Part 1). While this report discusses the developments during Year 3 of the project, it is also the final report for the project.