Internet Scale Event and Attack Generation Environment (ISEAGE)

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Iowa State University will use the grant funds to create an Internet-Scale Event and Attack Generation Environment (ISEAGE). The University reports that ISEAGE is a first of its kind facility in a public university dedicated to creating a virtual internet for the purpose of researching, designing, and testing cyber defense mechanisms as well as analyzing cyber attacks. Unlike computer-based simulations, real attacks will be played out against real equipment. Law enforcement agencies and forensics analysts have no way to replay attacks or recreate a cyber crime scene. ISEAGE will provide a mechanism to help solve cyber crime. The facility will provide a controlled environment where real world attacks can be played out against different configurations of equipment.

NCA/NCF