LUCID: A Spectator Targeted Visualization System to Broaden Participation at Cyber Defense Competitions

Bowie State University, Bowie MD

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this project is to stimulate interest in cybersecurity competitions through the development of a visualization and broadcast system targeted to enhancing learning and understanding among spectators. The system engages the spectator by presenting information pertinent to understanding the real-time details of the game in a usable and spirited manner. It accomplishes this through the combination of various techniques, including real-time network security visualization, live video and audio monitoring, animation, computer graphics and commentary. As a result, the project improves the educational value and excitement for the spectator and broaden interest in the field of cybersecurity. The proposed tool captures computer and network activities for all the competing teams and present them in a user-friendly manner for the benefit of the spectator using state-of-the-art broadcasting, animation and commentary. Although visualization has been utilized at large-scale cyber defense competition, such as the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, it is still used only in a limited way. Further, it does not target the spectator in a serious way and it is rarely used for small-scale cyber defense competitions, which is the main target of this project. By improving the spectator experience, more students are attracted to collegiate cyber defense competitions and ultimately to cyber security related fields. The tool is also beneficial to competition participants, especially to student teams who could use the tool for network security visualization.