The Spinning Cube of Potential Doom

An anonymous reader writes "This month's Communications of the ACM (does not seem to have a link to online text) has an article about The Spinning Cube of Potential Doom, a security visualization tool that I first saw at SC2003. The cube displays data from Bro along 3 axes and creates interesting visual results (port scans, barber poles, lawnmower). This definitely makes patterns in all that 'boring log data' jump out. This is a very interesting development, the ability to monitor in real time and replay historical security related information. Definitely a step towards the new types of tools we will need to secure hosts and networks."

Comments

Security is only one possible area for innovation

[CreamOfWheat]

When the eventual goal of having this data displayed in a real time setting the applications of usefulness will be startling. Data that had to be updated manually during the conference, will be available to researchers to do tci-square analysis to approximate the optimum network efficencies. Even use in the business sector and th ability to analyze huge databases will be quite amazing, although at least a half-decade down the road. Besides the primary educational aspect of the Cube, the secondary goal of the Cube will see fruition as to how investigate new techniques in visually analyzing network traffic and also to develop a tool that would potentially assist those involved with computer security. Really fascinating stuff.

dude!

[eegad]

I live in the spinning cube of potential doom. At least that's what my co-workers call it.

Spinning Cube of Doom?

[stratjakt]

Sounds like the Time Cube.

But then, you stupid ignorant mind-traitors cant understand time cube having been manipulated by your word god.

Need new tool

[nizo]

Now we need tools that scan in a pattern that causes little devil faces to appear inside the cube, just to freak the sysadmin out. Words could be fun too.

Disappointment...

[The Human Cow]

Man, when I heard it could display data along 3 axes I was hoping for a error message featuring a little projection of somebody saying "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope."
Sad.

I beg to differ

[broothal]

"Definitely a step towards the new types of tools we will need to secure hosts and networks."

I'm sorry, but I do not agree. While it makes it easy to visually detect intrusion attempts, it is of no use in the daily life of a BOFH. I have the responsibility of quite a number of machines. Most of the time, they don't require attention. So I don't pay them any. Then, once in a while, something extraordinary is happening, and I'm being alerted by an automatic monitoring system. That means I can use my day on all the important things (like hanging out on IRC etc). Visualizing network intrusion attempts is cool, but it's not a tool for me.

Re:I beg to differ

[Minwee]

The daily life of most admins include something called "Talking To Managers".

Having a shiny toy with brightly coloured lights on it is a vital part of that excercise for many of us. We NEED this. We NEED it to have the Fisher-Price logo on it and play short musical bits when you push on the buttons. We NEED to be able to say "Here is a pretty picture. You like pretty pictures, don't you? The brightly coloured parts show bad people. Oooh, brightly coloured. Look at the picture. Do you like the picture? Good, now there are a few things we need to discuss about next year's budget..."

Automated monitoring systems that handle problems for you make you (and themselves) look unnecessary. Pretty pictures with lights can be used to show everybody you work for just how important you really are.

Remember!

[telstar]

Warning: Pregnant women, the elderly and children under 10 should avoid prolonged exposure to the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom.
Caution: the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds.
the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom Contains a liquid core, which, if exposed due to rupture, should not be touched, inhaled, or looked at.
Do not use the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom on concrete.

Discontinue use of the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom if any of the following occurs:
Itching
Vertigo
Dizziness
Tingling in extremities
Loss of balance or coordination
Slurred speech
Temporary blindness
Profuse sweating
Heart palpitations

If the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head.
the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom may stick to certain types of skin.

When not in use, the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom should be returned to its special container and kept under refrigeration...

Failure to do so relieves the makers of the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom, Wacky Products Incorporated, and its parent company Global Chemical Unlimited, of any and all liability.

Ingredients of the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom include an unknown glowing substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.

the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom has been shipped to our troops in Saudi Arabia and is also being dropped by our warplanes on Iraq.

Do not taunt the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom.

the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom comes with a lifetime guarantee.

the Spinning Cube of Potential Doom

ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!

Boon to social engineers!

[stratjakt]

Got some slick, nobody's fool sysadmin you need to get past?

Well, cook up a portscan that will look like a giant, spinning Mr Goatse, or some racial slurs, etc..

Boss walks past, geek gets fired, replaced by bosses moron nephew who is more than happy to give you the keys to the server when you call and identify yourself as the Hamburglar.