The Future of Scientific Collaboration: Securing Data, Empowering Research
In the world of science, powerful research and education networks (RENs) are the lifeblood of progress. These networks facilitate the seamless exchange of vast amounts of data, from climate simulations to medical imaging, across borders and institutions. However, hidden internet routing issues can disrupt this delicate flow, leading to potential data breaches and slowing down research.
The Invisible Threat: Unseen Routing Problems
Current tools often fail to detect these routing anomalies, leaving network operators in the dark. This is where the University of California San Diego steps in, with researchers from the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) taking the lead on a groundbreaking project.
ROOTBEER: Unlocking the Power of RENs
Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), ROOTBEER aims to strengthen the digital backbone of global science. It brings together cybersecurity experts from UC San Diego's Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA) and engineers from Internet2, the organization behind the national high-speed network connecting thousands of U.S. institutions.
RENs serve as specialized internet pathways, connecting universities, labs, and research institutions, ensuring smooth data transfer without disrupting commercial networks. However, routing errors, such as unintentional leaks or unauthorized hijacks, can divert sensitive research data into commercial networks, leading to potential overload and data exposure.
A Vision for a Secure Scientific Future
SDSC Senior Research Scientist KC Claffy, founder of CAIDA and principal investigator, notes, "For too long, the research community has lacked the tools to secure scientific data flows. ROOTBEER aims to change that by providing real-time visibility into routing anomalies, empowering network operators to protect research traffic."
Led by Claffy, along with Steven Wallace from Internet2 and Matthew Luckie from CAIDA, the ROOTBEER team is developing a security-focused routing observatory and dashboard. This system will detect route leaks, diagnose vulnerabilities, and guide research institutions towards best practices in routing security.
Empowering REN Operators
Project co-lead Steven Wallace, director of routing integrity at Internet2, emphasizes, "Science today is distributed and data-intensive. We're ensuring that the networks enabling groundbreaking research remain secure and resilient."
The ROOTBEER project focuses on three key strategies:
- Measurement and Analysis: Utilizing active probing techniques to detect route leaks between RENs and commercial networks.
- Operational Dashboard: Developing a user-friendly platform to visualize real-time routing behaviors and identify anomalies.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with state and regional RENs and university partners to adopt new routing security protocols.
A Bridge to Operational Excellence
Matthew Luckie, consulting research scientist at CAIDA and project co-lead, explains, "ROOTBEER bridges the gap between internet measurement science and practical operations. It's designed for long-term sustainability, integrated with Internet2's network management infrastructure."
The project reflects the NSF's Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure (CICI) program, supporting technologies that protect U.S. scientific data. Claffy adds, "This work is foundational for scientific collaboration. It's about building trust in the infrastructure that drives discoveries and innovations."
A Call for Discussion
As we explore the potential of ROOTBEER, what are your thoughts on the future of secure scientific collaboration? How can we ensure the integrity and availability of scientific data in an increasingly interconnected world? We invite you to share your insights and engage in the conversation below!
