Current ACSA Activities

Annual Computer Security Applications Conference

The Annual Computer Security Applications Conference (ACSAC) is the major activity funded by ACSA. Started in 1985, the conference's goal is to explore technology applications in the area of computer security, for both civil and military applications. It looks at hardware and software tools and techniques, as well as specific examples of system applications and implementations.

The conference consists of a two and a half day technical program, preceeded by two full days of a formal tutorial program.

Coordinator. Daniel Thomsen, Cyber Defense Agency, LLC (ACSAC Conference Chair)

At each conference, ACSA recognizes an outstanding computer security professional through its Distinguished Lecture Series. The Distinguished Lecturer is invited to present a lecture of current topical interest to the entire conference.

Coordinator. Steven Greenwald (ACSAC Guest Speakers Liaison)

ACSA also recognizes student contributions through sponsorship of a Best Student Paper award. The winning student receives an honorarium and expense-paid attendance at the conference.

Coordinator. Andre dos Santos, Georgia Tech (ACSAC Student Awards Coordinator).

New Security Paradigms Workshop

Since 1995, the New Security Paradigms Workshop (NSPW) has provided a stimulating and highly interactive forum for innovative approaches to computer security. The workshop offers a constructive environment for experienced researchers and practitioners as well as newer participants in the field. The result is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas. In 2003, the workshop moved from ACM sponsorship to ACSA sponsorship.

Chairman. Simon Foley (University College Cork) and Abe Singer (San Diego Supercomputer Center)

Information Security Bookshelf

The Information Security Bookshelf is an virtual extension to a professional's shelf of information security books, reports, and other references. ACSA sees this bookshelf being used is as a source of readings for self-study and for courses. Its goal is to supplement physical holdings with items that are out of print or difficult to obtain.

Everyone is invited to take a look at the bookshelf and to suggest additional books, papers, and reports. It would be most helpful if submissions to the editor could provide the source files or a URL pointer to them. Suggestions and contributions should be sent to bookshelf@acsac.org. Don't be bashful about suggesting your own work.

Coordinator. Marshall Abrams, The MITRE Corporation

Marshall D. Abrams Invited Essay Program

The goal of the Marshall D. Abrams Invited Essay Program is to stimulate development of provocative and stimulating reading material for students of Information Security, forming a set of Invited Essays. Each Invited Essay will address an important topic in Information Security not adequately covered by the existing literature. ACSA envisions that the Invited Essays will contain an exhaustive survey of the state-of-the-art. This survey should include description of the theory and practice of an Information Security problem, a history of successful attacks and defenses, and research challenges. The Information Security Essays should be usable as the basis for advanced undergraduate and graduate seminars as well as springboards for research.

The essayist will present his/her essay at the Annual Computer Security Applications Conference (ACSAC). Essays will be published in the conference proceedings and on the ACSA pages on the World Wide Web. Each essayist will receive an honorarium and complementary registration and per diem at ACSAC. If an essay is co-authored, these benefits will be provided for one person only.

Coordinator. Steven Greenwald

SAC Technology Advocacy Committee (SAC-TAC)

The SAC Technology Advocacy Committee is a group whose mission is to advance Strong Access Control (SAC) technology and increase its awareness in the marketplace. Strong Access Control refers to mechanisms that provide effective protection and assured behavior under concerted and sophisticated attack, and includes mechanisms such as multilevel security. The

SAC-TAC has the following goals:

1. To increase market awareness and demand for SAC technology and products.
2. To facilitate interoperability of SAC products.
3. To identify commercial and research opportunities for SAC.
4. To enhance communication within the SAC community.
5. To define the appropriate resistance for attack for SAC products.

Coordinator. Daniel Faigin, The Aerospace Corporation