LAN of Milk and Honey:Ensuring safe networks

through virtualisation

Suné von Solms

Introduction

Land of Milk and Honey:• Sought after land• Rich in resources• Safe from enemies

4000 years later, we strive for the same qualities in cyberspace:

• Access to people, information and systems

• Safe from intruders and criminals

It is, however, just as hard to find today as it was back then.

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Overview

Technology has transformed today's society:

• Connect with friends and family• Assist with daily assignments• Simplify everyday tasks

Cyberspace is so deeply embedded into society today that the users are compromised & exploited

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computer or tablet)

Cyber security today

In South Africa:• Rapid increase in bandwidth • Increased use of wireless and mobile

devices

highly vulnerable to cyber attacks

As more people rely on technology, cybercriminals aim to exploit:

• Cyber security gaps• Users' trusting nature

Cyber security today

Critical factors to secure our cyberspace:• Legislation relating to cyber crime• Cyber safety initiatives• Computer literacy• Education

These factors are failing to maintain the desired pace to keep up with the rapid technology advancement.

Cyber security research

R&D can greatly assist toward making us more resilient to cyber attacks:

• Innovative solutions development• Skills enhancement

Cyber security research

Research hampered as new tools and technologies cannot be tested on live networks:

• Compromise network stability• Create larger network vulnerabilities

Large network testing infrastructure are limited to few corporations with massive server rooms and even larger budgets.

Cyber security research

Recent advances in virtualisation technology:

• Create virtual replicas of the networks.• Perform tests on virtual counterparts.

It is now possible to build large network research facilities.

Cyber security R&D at CSIR

The CSIR is establishing various network testing platforms:

• Integrated testing environment.• Network performance and behaviour

testing.• Cyber tools and technique evaluation. • Network equipment testing.

Cyber security R&D at CSIR

R&D in safe environment under real-life circumstances assists researchers to study and address network security weaknesses.

Cyber security R&D at CSIR

NESL is the first of its type in South Africa:• Web-accessible.• Open-source platform.• Emulation, simulation, virtualisation and

physical devices integrated. • Large-scale cyber security testing and

research.

Conclusion

The CSIR enabling R&D in cyber security:• Assists in the advancement of SA’s

cyber knowledge base.• Original research.• Provision of top quality graduates.

These network virtualisation platforms will drive developments in theory and practice of cyber security to help create of a safe, secure and prosperous cyberspace.

Please Insert photo of a green field, river etc. Same as on the

second slide

Thank you