Genetic Algorithms for computer security

Question

I am in the process of choosing project for uni. And I am really interested on combining genetic algorithms and computer security.

Therefore my question, Is it possible to use GA on any aspect for computer security? For example?. I was thinking something like a evolutionary firewall/anti-virus that will be able to self protect/inhibit threats. Is such thing plausible?

I really appreciate you guys input, advice, comments.

Answer 1

First of all, the whole idea of genetic algorithms is still being debated, i.e. if genetic algorithms are in any way better suited to solving optimization problems than other methods (who are either proven, easier to use, or provide other advantages).

That being said, yes, I know of a security-related application of genetic algorithms, mainly used in fuzzing to optimize code paths and therefore code coverage. There is a paper called Vulnerability analysis for x86 executables using genetic algorithm and fuzzing and a BlackHat presentation predating that paper by two years called "Sidewinder": An Evolutionary Guidance System for Malicious Input Crafting

Answer 2

Take a look at Stephanie Forrest's group's work on computer immune systems. It's not traditional GAs, but it's very close. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I briefly looked into this before, and there seems to be quite a bit of resources around using genetic algorithms for network intrusion detection. Hope it helps.