Pilot Study Objective
Apply the SENDS approach to cyberspace operations and defense by leveraging collaborative, multidisciplinary, science-based efforts within models of operational networks: demonstrate how the rigorous application of the scientific method and computational modeling as an experimentation environment will improve cyberspace operations and defense, via a shared understanding and exploitation of interdependencies
Concept
The First step of SENDS is a Pilot Study to further define and put into action the results and concepts of the Assessment Phase White Papers. Results of the Pilot Study will provide decision makers with solution set options to fully exploit and bring into practice what we are currently calling the Science of Cyberspace and the Science of Cyberspace Security.
Creating a Shared Understanding of the challenges facing network operators/users and the defenders is critical to success. Science-based modeling through highly distributed models and simulations will integrate the Whole of Government (and even “Whole of Community”) approach across the Enterprise (where the enterprise eventually comes to represent all stakeholders: federal, state, local, tribal, academic, commercial, allied, coalition and all their interdependencies).
We cannot stress enough the importance of using the M&S environment as the laboratory and setting for SENDS experimentation. We speak a lot about the notion of a substrate. A substrate is an environment that accommodates and even energizes interaction among different entities and substances. The SENDS collaboration substrate, rooted in consistently applying the scientific method, will do precisely the same thing. This distributed experimentation environment will catalyze the interactions of like and unlike substances (experience, new thinking, and coevolution) to produce novel forms of resiliency and defensive capabilities. These models will also expose the critical interdependencies that empower cyberspace to work (or allow a successful attack).
