Multi-agent Modeling and Simulation of Distributed Denial-of-service Attacks on Computer Networks

The move toward practical use of modern naval network-centric warfare (NCW) brings with it the benefits caused by applying distributed computing to gain superiority over its adversary. However, the adversary will attempt to attack information infrastructures used in NCW. One effective means of destruction of such infrastructures is the use of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The primary goal of such attacks is to break or reduce the availability of distributed computing resources to legitimate users, with second-order effects such as causing nodes in the infrastructure to crash or even become compromised. Increase of survivability of information systems and structures requires the development of both strict theoretical and practical basis. The availability of DDoS attacks modeling and simulation means would be a significant component of such a basis. The paper introduces a framework for modeling and software tool for simulation of a broad spectrum of DDoS attacks, which key building blocks are ontology of DDoS-attacks, mechanisms for teamwork of software agents representing the hackers performing DDoS attacks and multi-agent platform called Multi-Agent System Development Kit supporting the agent-based DDoS attack modeling and simulation technology.