Cyber Polygon Site Project in the Framework of the MEPhI Network Security Intelligence Center

Abstract

At present, the market for information protection tools (IPTs) is much wider than a couple of years ago. But not only technology protects and carries a threat. People are still at the forefront as the most common cause of errors is the lack of experience and low competency. The only right solution is the creation of cyber polygons as specially equipped and controlled network infrastructures for developing practical skills to combat information security (IS) threats. The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) could not remain aloof from this process as the leading institute for IS training in Russia. Therefore, it was decided to create such a cyber polygon within the framework of the educational and research Network Security Intelligence Center (NSIC) for intelligent network security management established at the MEPhI Institute of Cyber Intelligence Systems in 2016. The paper describes the first results achieved in making this project a reality. It introduces the “Cyber Polygon” term, briefly analyzes a state of the current cyber polygons development worldwide, and introduces the MEPhI Cyber Polygon objectives and provision to be used within the framework of the “Business Continuity and Information Security Maintenance” Master’s degree programme. Further activities in its development conclude the paper.