Diversity as a computer defense mechanism
Carol Taylor, Jim Alves-Foss · 2005
This panel addressed the use of computer diversity as a strategy for computer security. It is our view that there are significant knowledge gaps in the science underlying diversity as a computer defense mechanism which hinders its usefulness. These gaps include the true cost of diversity, a lack of metrics for diversity and the trade offs between diversity and other defensive strategies. We also wanted to highlight on-going diversity research from other disciplines which could potentially be applied to diversity for computer security.Four panelists were selected based on their experience with diversity within the context of computer security or other research areas. The panelists' backgrounds include biology, software reliability, security and dependable systems. Each panelist presented a statement which was discussed by NSPW participants.The discussion was lively and informative both during and after the panelists' statements and is reported in a later section of this summary.