Research Methods for Cyber Security

1st Edition - April 19, 2017
Authors: Thomas W. Edgar, David O. Manz
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 5 3 4 9 - 2
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 1 2 9 3 0 - 2

Research Methods for Cyber Security teaches scientific methods for generating impactful knowledge, validating theories, and adding critical rigor to the cyber security field. Th… Read more

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Research Methods for Cyber Security teaches scientific methods for generating impactful knowledge, validating theories, and adding critical rigor to the cyber security field. This book shows how to develop a research plan, beginning by starting research with a question, then offers an introduction to the broad range of useful research methods for cyber security research: observational, mathematical, experimental, and applied. Each research method chapter concludes with recommended outlines and suggested templates for submission to peer reviewed venues. This book concludes with information on cross-cutting issues within cyber security research.

Cyber security research contends with numerous unique issues, such as an extremely fast environment evolution, adversarial behavior, and the merging of natural and social science phenomena. Research Methods for Cyber Security addresses these concerns and much more by teaching readers not only the process of science in the context of cyber security research, but providing assistance in execution of research as well.

Part I: Introduction

Chapter 1. Introduction to Science

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
What is Science
Types of Science
Science is Messy
From Ptolemy to Einstein—Science and the Discovery of the Nature of the Sky
Summary and Conclusions
Endnotes

Chapter 2. Science and Cyber Security

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Defining Cyber Space
Defining Cyber Security
Cyber Security Fundamentals
Cyber Security Controls Overview
Defining a Science of Cyber Security
Challenges in Achieving Security in Cyber Space
Further Reading
Endnotes

Chapter 3. Starting Your Research

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Starting Your Research
Research before the Research
Selecting Your Research Path
Conferences and Journals
Endnotes

Part II: Observational Research Methods

Chapter 4. Exploratory Study

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Knowledge by Inference
Types of Studies
Gathering Data
Exploratory Method Selection
Exploratory Study Method Examples
Analysis Bias
The Search for a Causal Relationship
Reporting Your Results
Endnotes

Chapter 5. Descriptive Study

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Descriptive Study Methods
Observation Method Selection
Gathering Data
Data Analysis
Descriptive Study Method Examples
Reporting your Results
Endnotes

Chapter 6. Machine Learning

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
What is Machine Learning
Categories of Machine Learning
Debugging Machine Learning
Bayesian Network Mathematical Preliminaries and Model Properties
Hidden Markov Models
Discussion
Sample Format
Endnotes

Part III: Mathematical Research Methods

Chapter 7. Theoretical Research

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Background
Challenges in Development of Cyber Security Science Theory
Example Theoretical Research Construction
Reporting Your Results
Endnotes

Chapter 8. Using Simulation for Research

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Defining Simulation
When Should Simulation Be Used
Defining What to Model
Instantiating a Model
Example Use Case
Paper Format
Endnotes

Part IV: Experimental Research Methods

Chapter 9. Hypothetico-deductive Research

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Purpose of Hypothesis-driven Experimentation
A Proper Hypothesis
Experimentation
Analysis
Integrating the Theory with Results
Reporting Your Results
Endnotes

Chapter 10. Quasi-experimental Research

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
True versus Quasi-experiment
Cyber Drivers for Quasi-experimental Design
Quasi-experiment Research Methods
Reporting Your Results
Endnotes

Part V: Applied Research Methods

Chapter 11. Applied Experimentation

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Building From a Theory
Methods of Applied Experimentation
Benchmarking
Reporting Your Results
Validation Testing
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
Experimental Design
Problems With Validation Testing
Reporting Your Results
Endnotes

Chapter 12. Applied Observational Study

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Applied Study Types
Applied Observation Method Selection
Data Collection and Analysis
Applied Exploratory Study: Stress Test
Applied Descriptive Study: Case Study
Reporting Your Results
Endnote

Part VI: Additional Materials

Chapter 13. Instrumentation

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Understanding Your Data Needs
Overview of Data and Sensor Types
Controlled-testing Environments
Conclusion
Endnotes

Chapter 14. Addressing the Adversary

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Defining Adversary
The Challenge of Adversarial Research
Adversaries in Other Fields of Study
Different Ways to Think About Threats
Integrating Adversary Models into Research
Conclusions
Endnotes

Chapter 15. Scientific Ethics

Abstract
Chapter Objectives
Ethics for Science
History of Ethics in Cyber Security
Ethical Standards
Cyber Security Expert Classification
Cyber Security and the Law
Human Subjects Research
Ethical Use of Data
Individual Responsibility
Conclusion
Endnotes

Thomas W. Edgar

Thomas Edgar is a Senior Cyber Security Research Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He has completed research in the areas of secure communication protocols, cryptographic trust management, critical infrastructure protection, and developing a scientific approach to cyber security. Edgar’s research interests include the scientific underpinnings of cyber security and applying scientific based cyber security solutions to enterprise and critical infrastructure environments. His expertise lies in scientific process, critical infrastructure security, protocol development, cyber forensics, network security, and testbed and experiment construction. Edgar has a BS and MS in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa with a specialization in information assurance.

Affiliations and expertise

Senior Cyber Security Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

David O. Manz

David Manz is currently a Senior Cyber Security Scientist in the National Security Directorate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He holds a B.S. in Computer and Information Science from the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Idaho. David's work at PNNL includes enterprise resilience and cyber security, secure control system communication, and critical infrastructure security. Enabling his research is an application of relevant research methods for cyber security (Cyber Security Science). Prior to his work at PNNL, David spent five years as a researcher on Group Key Management Protocols for the Center for Secure and Dependable Systems at the University of Idaho (U of I). David also has experience teaching undergraduate and graduate computer science courses at U of I, and as an adjunct faculty at Washington State University. David has co-authored numerous papers and presentations on cyber security, control system security, and cryptographic key management.

Affiliations and expertise

Senior Cyber Security Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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