Content area

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology using network attack ontology to classify computer-based attacks. Computer network attacks differ in motivation, execution and end result. Because attacks are diverse, no standard classification exists. If an attack could be classified, it could be mitigated accordingly. A taxonomy of computer network attacks forms the basis of the ontology. Most published taxonomies present an attack from either the attacker's or defender's point of view. This taxonomy presents both views. The main taxonomy classes are: Actor, Actor Location, Aggressor, Attack Goal, Attack Mechanism, Attack Scenario, Automation Level, Effects, Motivation, Phase, Scope and Target. The "Actor" class is the entity executing the attack. The "Actor Location" class is the Actor's country of origin. The "Aggressor" class is the group instigating an attack. The "Attack Goal" class specifies the attacker's goal. The "Attack Mechanism" class defines the attack methodology. The "Automation Level" class indicates the level of human interaction. The "Effects" class describes the consequences of an attack. The "Motivation" class specifies incentives for an attack. The "Scope" class describes the size and utility of the target. The "Target" class is the physical device or entity targeted by an attack. The "Vulnerability" class describes a target vulnerability used by the attacker. The "Phase" class represents an attack model that subdivides an attack into different phases. The ontology was developed using an "Attack Scenario" class, which draws from other classes and can be used to characterize and classify computer network attacks. An "Attack Scenario" consists of phases, has a scope and is attributed to an actor and aggressor which have a goal. The "Attack Scenario" thus represents different classes of attacks. High profile computer network attacks such as Stuxnet and the Estonia attacks can now be been classified through the "Attack Scenario" class.

Details

Business indexing term
Identifier / keyword
Title
Classifying Network Attack Scenarios Using an Ontology
Pages
311-XII
Number of pages
16
Publication year
2012
Publication date
2012
Publisher
Academic Conferences International Limited
Place of publication
Reading
Country of publication
United Kingdom
Publication subject
Source type
Conference Paper
Language of publication
English
Document type
Feature
Document feature
References; Diagrams
ProQuest document ID
1545631794
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/conference-papers-proceedings/classifying-network-attack-scenarios-using/docview/1545631794/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Copyright Academic Conferences International Limited 2012
Last updated
2025-11-16
Database
2 databases
  • ProQuest One Academic
  • ProQuest One Academic