AVERT evaluates vulnerabilities, assess solutions

threat, in which case, they would be modeled as having the highest alertness.

Agents within AVERT (guards and adversaries) are given capabilities that include weapons and equipment. This could include chainsaws to grenade launchers which can be introduced to any AVERT-generated scenario, while also being able to specify the actual calibers of certain weapons, which would make all the difference in considering long-range sniping and close-range ballistics. Camouflage can also be considered, to rule out any advantage the enemy might have.

Whether on foot or in a vehicle, an adversary’s transportation method can be designated and tailored. The type of drive (4-wheel drive) as well as levels of armor that range from soft to military-strength can be incorporated.

The aim is to design security to respond to a certain level of threat. If a user wants deter a vandal from gaining access to their property, an implementation as simply as a fake surveillance camera may provide ample deterrence.

Whereas traditional vulnerability analyses rely on subjective judgment and checklists, the AVERT software applies probabilistic algorithms and Monte Carlo analysis to identify and quantify security vulnerabilities by simulating user-defined attacks against the site to determine worst case paths one or more intruders might take to specific targets. Monte Carlo analysis is a class of computational algorithms that rely on repeated random sampling to compute their results. For each path or randomly generated scenario, the AVERT software estimates the intruder’s probability of detection, interruption, neutralization, and success. Users can compare the results of multiple possible defensive postures effectiveness to understand the best ways to improve security, resulting in objective and quantitative analysis of a facility’s holistic security system.

AVERT has the ability to render multiple scenarios, including intruders and targets, diversionary tactics, insider threats, standoff weapons use, force-on-force combat, and more, plotting the most vulnerable paths into 3D visualizations as well as on-site map projections for easy understanding of vulnerabilities. AVERT uses a holistic approach to help users understand and prioritize all of a site’s vulnerabilities and see how to improve security most effectively. It can also help users understand the ramifications of proposed security changes especially those that traditional methods would miss.

Cost avoidance

The company offers this example for how using AVERT helps organizations cut – or even avoid – costly security measures. On its Web site the company says that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a Y-12 national security complex responsible for the management