Navy seeks software to assess and exploit network vulnerabilities

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2012/09/navy-seeks-software-assess-and-exploit-network-vulnerabilities/57844/

By Dawn Lim
Nextgov
September 4, 2012

In another indication of the growing market for offensive security 
software, the Navy is in the market for a suite of tools that will scan 
and assess security holes in networks and exploit unknown glitches in 
computer programs, contract documents indicate. The Pentagon’s goal is 
to use the technology to teach personnel how networks are breached so 
they can better defend military computers.

The Naval Postgraduate School is seeking price quotes for a penetration 
testing kit that will simulate malicious attacks to networks by 
assessing vulnerabilities in systems and launch zero-day attacks -- the 
exploitation of previously unpublished vulnerabilities. The solicitation 
highlights a more aggressive push to train military officers how to play 
both defense and offense in cyber operations.

The Navy wants to use the tools in a newly designed course that will 
teach officers and students how to respond to hostile computer attacks.

[...]