SPIDER: a cyberSecurity Platform for vIrtualiseD 5G cybEr Range services

The RSTI group contributes to the SPIDER project consortium with its experience in the injection of data and signalling traffic over 5G Core networks.

SPIDER project plans to deliver an innovative cyber range platform that extends and combines the capabilities of existing telecommunication testbeds and cyber ranges into a unified facility.

The increasing complexity of the telecommunication domain’s cyber threat landscape intensifies the need for new security solutions and for improving the technical security skills of experts and non-experts in the multi-tenant and multi-service environments coming with the domain’s 5th generation (5G). At the same time, attack mechanisms are increasingly sophisticated, pervading critical infrastructures despite billions of euros invested in cybersecurity measures. To address the above, SPIDER delivers an innovative Cyber Range as a Service platform that extends and combines the capabilities of existing telecommunication testbeds and cyber ranges into a unified facility for (i) testing new security technologies, (ii) training modern cyber defenders in near real-world conditions, and (iii) supporting organisations and relevant stakeholders in making optimal cybersecurity investment decisions. At its core, it is a highly customisable dynamic network modelling instrument that enables real-life virtualisation and real-time emulation of networks and systems. It also offers real-time interaction and information sharing capabilities by acting as a serious gaming repository for multiple stakeholders to share material and maximise efficiency in delivering complex cyber exercises. SPIDER’s gamified learning environment enables trainees to master how to use domain-specific cyber protection technologies and collaboratively improve their ability in handling incidents and risks. Complemented by cyber econometric capabilities, SPIDER also enables users to forecast the evolution of attacks and their associated economic impact through the application of innovative risk analysis methodologies, econometric models and real-time attack emulation. The proposed cyber range model will be validated in five highly realistic pilot use case scenarios aimed at demonstrating its applicability and validity for all requirements of the SU-DS01-2018 Call (simulation, training, and economics).

The RSTI group contributes to the SPIDER project consortium with its experience in the injection of data and signalling traffic over 5G Core networks.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 833685.