RIT Honeynet Alliance

Name of Concept: RIT Honeynet Alliance

Overview:

The RIT Honeynet Project started out last year and was recently accepted in to the Global Honeynet Alliance.  The Honeynet Project's goal is to observe computer based attacks and publish new findings in its field.  The Honeynet Project is synonymous with innovation in the Computer Security industry.  This year, the RIT Honeynet Project will go live and start to collect data, however I believe its true potential is not met due to limited funding.  As part of a global chapter, I believe that with the full support of RIT, the RIT Honeynet Project could improve its relations with the Computer Security industry which is one of the most prominent jobs today.

How this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise:

Due to the nature of the research conducted within the RIT Honeynet Project, students who participate tend to be knowledgeable in both computer security as well as laws that apply to computer fraud.  The research that could be published by the project has the potential to benefit from students from a variety of majors.

Main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea:

All current members are listed on our website located here: http://honeynet.rit.edu/node/2

Is there potential off-campus advocacy and support for the idea?

Yes

Are you aware of another university that is working on a similar idea? If yes, which one?

UNC Charlotte, Westpoint, GA Tech

How you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an important or emerging field:

Other than the brief description given in the overview in question three, I believe that currently the computer security industry is seeking more jobs than ever before.  With the Honeynet Alliance being a global project, RIT could create a global presence in this community.

Why you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate itself through this idea:

In the Honeynet Alliance, there are only a few chapters that are associated with a University's title, RIT being one of them.  I believe if RIT backed this project, it would benefit with recognition in the field as well as prospective students looking to work in the computer security industry.