Ferret Workflow Anomaly Detection System

Abstract

The Ferret workflow anomaly detection system project 2003-2004 has provided validation and anomaly detection in accredited workflows in secure knowledge management systems through the use of continuous, automated audits. A workflow, process, or procedure, is the set of steps that need to be completed to accomplish a goal. Anomaly detection is the determination that a condition departs from the expected. The baseline behavior from which the anomaly is measured is usually derived via statistical sampling or through a reference specification. Ferret uses an accredited workflow specification to determine baseline behavior. An audit is an independent review of records and activities to assess the adequacy of system controls, to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. Ferret has attempted to address three key security problems in complex secure systems. First, Ferret has placed a single audit event into the larger workflow context in which it occurs, and has tracked the progress of the workflow to completion. Second, Ferret has provided a mid-level security policy language that fills some of the gap between high level, human language oriented and low-level computer oriented policies. Lastly, Ferret has attempted to mitigate the insider threat, that is, activity from authorized users who have abused their legitimate authority, through the corroboration of audit events.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 28, 2005
Accession Number
ADA430829

Entities

People

  • Stephany Bryant
  • Timothy J. Smith

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anomaly Detection
  • Change Detection
  • Computer Access Control
  • Computer Languages
  • Computer Network Security
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Detection
  • Electronic Mail
  • Entry Control Systems
  • Insider Threats
  • Knowledge Management
  • Language
  • Markup Languages
  • Operating Systems

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Defense Financial Management and Audit.
  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development