Virginia Tech Professor Leverages Computer Games to Enhance AI and Cybersecurity

Virginia Tech Professor Leverages Computer Games to Enhance AI and Cybersecurity

Virginia Tech Professor Leverages Computer Games to Enhance AI | CyberPro Magazine

(Source – Yahoo.com)

In an innovative move, a Virginia Tech professor is harnessing the power of computer games, a favorite pastime for many, to advance cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This novel approach aims to transform how AI learns and responds to complex scenarios, potentially revolutionizing cybersecurity training and strategies.

AI Training Through Gaming

Computer games, often seen as mere entertainment, are being repurposed as training platforms for AI at Virginia Tech. Professor Angelos Stavrou from the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is spearheading this initiative. By utilizing a multi-agent training exerciser (MATrEx), Stavrou aims to enhance AI’s capabilities in cybersecurity. The idea is to simulate various attacks and defenses within a virtual copy of the Virginia Tech professor, allowing AI agents to explore countless strategies that might be overlooked by humans. This process is intended to enable AI to develop superior defensive and offensive techniques, thereby improving the overall security of the network.

Virginia Tech Professor: “AI can play billions of game variations, allowing it to characterize the cybersecurity state of the system and determine the most effective attacks or defenses,” said Stavrou. This extensive exploration enables AI to uncover innovative strategies that enhance cybersecurity measures.

The Role of Red and Blue Agents

Within MATrEx, AI agents are categorized into red and blue teams, each with distinct roles. Red agents are tasked with understanding the gaming network and devising methods to penetrate system defenses. Conversely, blue agents are responsible for grasping the network’s defensive mechanisms and devising strategies to thwart attacks. These simulated battles between red and blue agents help refine their tactics, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various cybersecurity measures. The goal is to create a dynamic feedback loop where AI can continuously learn and adapt, transferring knowledge between real and simulated environments.

“The real system is accurate but slow, while the simulation is fast but less accurate. By playing the game across these environments, we can transfer knowledge from the real network to the simulated one and vice versa,” Stavrou explained. This iterative process is crucial for developing robust cybersecurity strategies.

Future Prospects and Educational Integration

Looking ahead, Professor Stavrou envisions MATrEx as more than just an AI training tool. Over the next four years, he aims to develop it into a comprehensive cyber training ground where both AI and human participants can learn and train together. This initiative will eventually include hands-on training for students at Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, fostering a collaborative environment between academia and industry. Stavrou’s ultimate goal is to create a unique teaching lab where students can engage in projects and develop practical skills in AI and cybersecurity. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application, this project aims to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

“The goal of this project isn’t just to create a company but to develop a company-university collaboration,” said Stavrou. “On the Innovation Campus, we’d like to have a space where we can showcase our work, a one-of-a-kind teaching lab for AI, for students to create projects. Really, we want it to be anything you can imagine.”

This ambitious vision aligns with Radford University’s recent funding boost, where the institution received $1.2 million to support hiring student advocates for low-income students. Such initiatives underscore the growing emphasis on integrating practical, hands-on training with academic research to address real-world challenges in cybersecurity.

By transforming computer games into sophisticated training tools, Virginia Tech professors are at the forefront of integrating AI into cybersecurity, promising significant advancements in both fields. This innovative approach not only enhances the capabilities of AI but also provides invaluable training opportunities for future cybersecurity professionals, ensuring a safer and more secure digital landscape.