The 2024 Cyber Innovators Award 2nd Place winner is University of Missouri, St Louis: Active Defense with an Adversarial Mindset (ADAM)
The Active Defense with an Adversarial Mindset (ADAM) project aims to enhance cybersecurity defense by training defenders to think like adversaries. Enabling an adversary-aware mindset requires modeling education and training modules with psychometric analytics on technological competencies and skills needed for effective cyber defense. The cyber skills and competencies required to mitigate threats include:
ADAM AIMS TO ACHIEVE THIS BY CONCENTRATING ON THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS
Adversarial Mindset Training: Develop a mindset that anticipates/counters cyber threats.
Cyber Skills and Competencies: Focus on areas such as network security, incident detection, threat intelligence, and secure coding practices.
Model Verification and Calibration: Utilize surveys and training modules to assess and improve the skills of cyber defense teams.
ADAM is a data-driven approach to refine training programs and enhance defense strategies.
BENEFITS TO DOD AND CYBER ORGANIZATIONS
- Enhanced Training: Provides a robust framework for training cyber defenders with an adversarial mindset.
- Improved Threat Mitigation: Enhances the ability to identify, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Encourages partnerships with educational institutions and cybersecurity experts.