Graduation Year

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Mathematics and Statistics

Major Professor

Kandethody Ramachandran, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Christos Tsokos, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Lu Lu, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Yicheng Tu, Ph.D.

Keywords

Intrusion Detection, Machine Learning, Network Security, Q-learning, Streaming data

Abstract

Given the continuing advancement of networking applications and our increased dependence upon software-based systems, there is a pressing need to develop improved security techniques for defending modern information technology (IT) systems from malicious cyber-attacks. Indeed, anyone can be impacted by such activities, including individuals, corporations, and governments. Furthermore, the sustained expansion of the network user base and its associated set of applications is also introducing additional vulnerabilities which can lead to criminal breaches and loss of critical data. As a result, the broader cybersecurity problem area has emerged as a significant concern, with many solution strategies being proposed for both intrusion detection and prevention. Now in general, the cybersecurity dilemma can be treated as a conflict-resolution setup entailing a security system and minimum of two decision agents with competing goals (e.g., the attacker and the defender). Namely, on the one hand, the defender is focused on guaranteeing that the system operates at or above an adequate (specified) level. Conversely, the attacker is focused on trying to interrupt or corrupt the system’s operation.

In light of the above, this dissertation introduces novel methodologies to build appropriate strategies for system administrators (defenders). In particular, detailed mathematical models of security systems are developed to analyze overall performance and predict the likely behavior of the key decision makers influencing the protection structure. The initial objective here is to create a reliable intrusion detection mechanism to help identify malicious attacks at a very early stage, i.e., in order to minimize potentially critical consequences and damage to system privacy and stability. Furthermore, another key objective is also to develop effective intrusion prevention (response) mechanisms. Along these lines, a machine learning based solution framework is developed consisting of two modules. Specifically, the first module prepares the system for analysis and detects whether or not there is a cyber-attack. Meanwhile, the second module analyzes the type of the breach and formulates an adequate response. Namely, a decision agent is used in the latter module to investigate the environment and make appropriate decisions in the case of uncertainty. This agent starts by conducting its analysis in a completely unknown milieu but continually learns to adjust its decision making based upon the provided feedback. The overall system is designed to operate in an automated manner without any intervention from administrators or other cybersecurity personnel. Human input is essentially only required to modify some key model (system) parameters and settings. Overall, the framework developed in this dissertation provides a solid foundation from which to develop improved threat detection and protection mechanisms for static setups, with further extensibility for handling streaming data.

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