Cyber scientific test language

Abstract

The Cyber Scientific Method (CSM) formalizes experimentation on computer systems, hardware, software, and networks on the U.S. National Cyber Range. This formalism provides rigor to cyber tests to ensure knowledge can be shared and experiment results can be viewed with confidence, knowing exactly what was tested under what conditions. Cyber Scientific Test Language (CSTL) is an ontology-based language for CSM experiments. CSTL describes test objectives, statistical experiment design, test network composition, sensor placement, and data analysis and visualization. CSTL represents CSM experiments throughout their lifecycle, from test design through detailed test network description, instrumentation and control network augmentation, testbed buildout, data collection, and analysis. The representation of this information in a formal ontology has several benefits. It enables use of general-purpose reasoners to query and recombine test specifications for rapidly building an experiment network and testbed on the range. Additionally, it facilitates knowledge management and retrieval of test procedures and results. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.