Abstract: A method and system for simulating computer networks and computer network components to test computer network security is disclosed. A user specifies a desired configuration of a simulated computer network by using a configuration manager. The user also defines all the network components within the simulated computer network by specifying whether a component should be provided in hardware or should be simulated via software. Upon receiving the above-mentioned information from the user, the configuration manager acquires the required hardware resources from a hardware inventory. The configuration manager utilizes an interface switch that connects the hardware in the hardware inventory to produce the desired network layout. Next, the specified configuration for each of the network components is pushed into the acquired hardware resources. Computer network components to be simulated with software are subsequently initialized by the configuration manager.

Abstract: An attack impact prediction system for providing network security for computer networks is disclosed. A computer network includes multiple attack impact prediction (AIP) agents. In response to a detection of an intrusion to a computer network, an AIP agent is notified of the intrusion. In turn, the AIP agent broadcasts the detected intrusion to other AIP agents within the computer network. An impact of the detected intrusion is then determined at each node by its respective AIP agent. In response to a determination that an impact of the detected intrusion on a node exceeds a predetermined severity threshold, then actions need to be taken by each respective AIP agent is ascertained. Finally, the ascertained actions are performed by one or more AIP agents at various points within the computer network.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating computer networks and computer network components to test computer network security is disclosed. A user specifies a desired configuration of a simulated computer network by using a configuration manager. The user also defines all the network components within the simulated computer network by specifying whether a component should be provided in hardware or should be simulated via software. Upon receiving the above-mentioned information from the user, the configuration manager acquires the required hardware resources from a hardware inventory. The configuration manager utilizes an interface switch that connects the hardware in the hardware inventory to produce the desired network layout. Next, the specified configuration for each of the network components is pushed into the acquired hardware resources. Computer network components to be simulated with software are subsequently initialized by the configuration manager.