A Multi Agent System for Flow-Based Intrusion Detection Using Reputation and Evolutionary Computation

Publisher Marketing: The rising sophistication of cyber threats as well as the improvement of physical computer network properties present increasing challenges to contemporary Intrusion Detection (ID) techniques. To respond to these challenges, a multi agent system (MAS) coupled with flow-based ID techniques may effectively complement traditional ID systems. This paper develops: 1) a scalable software architecture for a new, self-organized, multi agent, flow-based ID system; and 2) a network simulation environment suitable for evaluating implementations of this MAS architecture and for other research purposes. Self-organization is achieved via 1) a "reputation" system that influences agent mobility in the search for effective vantage points in the network; and 2) multi objective evolutionary algorithms that seek effective operational parameter values. This paper illustrates, through quantitative and qualitative evaluation, 1) the conditions for which the reputation system provides a significant benefit; and 2) essential functionality of a complex network simulation environment supporting a broad range of malicious activity scenarios. These results establish an optimistic outlook for further research in flow-based multi agent systems for ID in computer networks. Contributor Bio:  Hancock, David L David L. Hancock is a former, nationally recognized mortgage broker and now founder of Morgan James Publishing which he has taken from a start-up to a $10 million business and was ranked number 44 on Fast Company's ?Fast 50? Companies for 2006. Hancock was even named a Finalist in the Best Chairman category in The 2006 American Business Awards. Hailed as ?the business world's own Oscars? by the New York Post (April 27, 2005), The American Business Awards are the only national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in the workplace. David L. Hancock has been in marketing his entire life. As a former Mortgage Banker, Public Speaker, Author, Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and Publisher, Hancock knows what its like to compete in the marketplace for a prospects time.