The explosive growth of malicious activities on worldwide communication networks, such as the Internet, has highlighted the need for efficient intrusion detection systems. The efficiency of traditional intrusion detection systems is limited by their inability to effectively relay relevant information due to their lack of interactive/immersive technologies. In this paper, we explore several network visualization techniques geared towards intrusion detection on small and large-scale networks. We also examine the use of haptics in network intrusion visualization. By incorporating concepts from electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, and gravitational theory, we show that haptic technologies can provide another dimension of information critical to the efficient visualization of network intrusion data. Furthermore, we explore the applicability of these visualization techniques in conjunction with commercial network intrusion detectors. Finally, we present a network intrusion visualization application with haptic integration, NIVA, which allows the analyst to interactively investigate as well as efficiently detect structured attacks across time and space using advanced interactive three-dimensional displays.

The rapid growth of malicious activities on worldwide communication networks, such as the Internet, has highlighted the need for efficient intrusion detection systems. The efficiency of traditional intrusion detection systems is limited, in part, by their inability to relay effectively relevant information due to their lack of interactive/immersive technologies. In this paper, we explore several network visualization techniques geared toward intrusion detection on small- and large-scale networks. We also examine the use of haptics in network intrusion visualization. By incorporating concepts from electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, and gravitational theory, we show that haptic technologies can provide another dimension of information critical to the efficient visualization of network intrusion data. Furthermore, we explore the applicability of these visualization techniques in conjunction with commercial network intrusion detectors. Finally, we present a network intrusion visualization application with haptic integration, NIVA, which allows the analyst to interactively investigate as well as efficiently detect structured attacks across time and space using advanced interactive three-dimensional displays.

Studies showing that students in undergraduate engineering exhibit a stronger preference for the active, sensing, visual and sequential learning styles indicate that virtual reality can potentially have a tremendous impact on engineering education. By providing learning environments rich in varied learning methods, educators can provide students with more diverse means of receiving and applying knowledge and information resulting in a more engaging and interactive educational setting. Such environments allow students to construct their own understanding of what they are studying through their interaction with the environment, and their use of the knowledge and skills that they already have to experiment and form a more conceptual understanding of the information. At Morgan State University, we have developed EM-Viz, a 3D electromagnetic visualization tool designed to support undergraduate electromagnetic students in gaining an understanding of the theory of electromagnetics and provide conceptual views that offer insight into the behavior of their associated fields. In this paper, we will explain the design and features of this tool and discuss the use of a low-cost semi-immersive VR system designed to provide a group-learning environment. This paper will also quantify the application of VR to engineering education by determining its significance and relative efficacy to student achievement. In preliminary subjective tests, students found that the application was very useful in that it provided an overall context on an otherwise difficult and frustrating subject. Also, preliminary analytical results of the integration of the EM-Viz tool into the course revealed that there was significant increase in student achievement, perhaps indicating that virtual reality maybe a possible instrument in addressing the needs in the education and training of future minority engineers.

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