Next generation enterprise network business continuity: maintaining operations in a compromised environment

Operation Rolling Tide, and the events that led up to its initiation, highlighted certain areas in Navy network operations that needed improvement, including maintenance of command and control (C2) of a compromised network. The current continuity of operations plan for NGEN does not detail a contingency providing high-fidelity C2 of the enterprise in the event of an intentional compromise. Evaluating published literature on virtualization, available technology products currently on the market, and tactics for employing virtualized environments, this research explores whether virtualization is able to provide options allowing network operators to maintain positive C2 during a compromise. It also examines if virtualization will scale appropriately for use in enterprise networks in terms of monetary and manpower costs, and any return on investment that may be realized. Using virtualization technology to create a tailored space capable of collaboration and network modelling provides an option for maintaining secure and useful C2 of the network. The costs involved, if implemented in the current NGEN contract, equate to approximately one-tenth of one percent of the contract award. The primary return on investment is increased readiness.http://archive.org/details/nextgenerationen1094548531Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited