FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Researching the use of digital twins that leverage artificial intelligence and zero trust principles may help the Defense Logistics Agency safeguard its operational technology systems against cyber intrusions in the future.
Through two related Small Business Innovation Research phase I contracts, DLA is exploring the creation of cyber digital twins for its OT systems which use hardware and software to monitor and control processes and devices. Digital twins are virtual models that replicate their physical counterparts with real-time and historical data to help identify potential vulnerabilities. An example of an OT system that DLA could research includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The SBIR program encourages small businesses to engage in federal research and development projects with the potential for commercialization. Phase I awards demonstrate the feasibility of technologies that can benefit DLA’s mission.
Logistics Technology Research Program Manager Barry Humphrey and Defense Logistics Information Research Program Manager Senthil Arul initiated and lead the projects. They are working with experts in other DLA organizations to find ways to explore and potentially apply the technology, including Anthony Cotonio, an information systems security manager in DLA’s cybersecurity directorate.
“These phase I projects provide the foundation to see if the ‘art-of-the-possible’ can be done,” Humphrey said. “They provide a blueprint for continued research and development and implementation in subsequent SBIR contract phases.”
In the first contract that ended in September, DLA R&D explored how using AI in the cyber digital twin could help detect anomalies that may indicate cyber threats.
“By continuously analyzing system behaviors and operational data, AI can help recognize deviations and alert DLA personnel to unusual activities that may suggest a cyberattack in real time,” Humphrey said.
In addition to detection capabilities, the cyber digital twin could provide DLA with insights into possible weaknesses in the OT system which may help the agency understand potential impacts of cyber threats and devise strategies to bolster system resilience.
“Digital twins are excellent additions to our toolset by allowing us to monitor and test systems without unnecessarily exposing them to outside threats,” Cotonio said.
The plan for the subsequent SBIR contract that runs through September 2025 is to build out the cyber digital twin and apply a zero trust environment for an OT system at DLA Aviation. This may help DLA maintain better control over data flows which could reduce unauthorized access and data breaches.
“While we are still early in this process with these research projects, the insights we learn from cyber digital twins may help DLA strengthen security measures for the agency and our partners,” Humphrey said. “This would help us build a more resilient cybersecurity posture.”