Analyzing security assertions in High-Performance Computing environments

09 Aug 2023 - 17:03 | Version 4 | UnknownUser

worked on by:Abraham Söyler

Outline/Expose

Security assertions are an important factor when deciding on the feasability of
computer systems. While there has been much research on security in general
purpose and personal machines, high-performance computing (HPC) systems have
inherently different security properties. Most of the research effort for HPC
systems has been focused on performance issues and disregarded security aspects
as less relevant.

Yurcik et al. (2004) identified that emergent properties are key considerations
of cluster security and outlined methods and tools for monitoring. They also
provide a set of research challenges around cluster security in 2005.

The Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe (PRACE) published several works
regarding HPC systems. Nowak et al. (2013) based their work on a survey in the
PRACE community, providing insight in the used security technologies and
assertions and giving general recommendations on the security of HPC
infrastructure. Peisert (2017) explored the security differences in HPC to
typical IT contexts and the challenges involved in securing them.

In this work we will summarize the current state of research on security in HPC
systems, their assertions and proposed methods. Furthermore we shall explore
standardization efforts made by the BSI and ISO relevant for security aspects in the creation,
management and usage of HPC systems and propose a method of evaluating the
security of such environments.

[1] Yurcik, William et al. “Cluster Security as a Unique Problem with Emergent Properties: Issues and Techniques.” (2004).
[2] Michał Nowak. (2013). Security in HPC Centres.
[3] Peisert, Sean (2017). "Security in High-Performance Computing Environments". Communications of the ACM, September 2017, Vol. 60 No. 9, Pages 72-80

Thesis Requirements

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Milestones and Planning

Past	CW	Goals
	CW7	Exposè
	CW9	introductory presentation
	CW11	collection and review of relevant research with supervisor
	CW13	first draft of evaluation method and setup/architectural structure of exemplary HPC environment
	CW15	application of evaluation method to exemplary environment
	CW16	finished thesis
	CW18	feedback and presentation