Attack detection and strategy optimization in game-theoretic trust models

Abstract

Trust in a microelectronics-based systems can be characterized as the level of confidence that the system is free of subversive alterations inserted by a malicious adversary during system development. Outkin et al. recently developed GPLADD, a game-theoretic framework that enables trust analysis through a set of mathematical models that represent multi-step attack graphs and contention between system attackers and defenders. This paper extends GPLADD to include detection of attacks on development processes and defender decision processes that occur in response to detection events. The paper provides mathematical details for implementing attack detection and demonstrates the models on an example system. The authors further demonstrate how optimal defender strategies vary when solution concepts and objective functions are modified.