A green scheduling algorithm for cloud-based honeynets

Abstract

Modern businesses leverage cloud architecture to achieve agile and cost-effective technology services. Doing so comes at the expense of the environment though cloud technologies consume large quantities of energy. Cloud energy consumption is concerning in light of global climate trends and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Consequently, increasing attention is given to sustainable and green cloud computing, which seeks to optimize compute-resource allocation and usage of virtualized systems and services. At the same time, progress toward sustainable and green cloud technology is impeded because as more enterprises deploy services into cloud architecture, cybersecurity threats follow. Unfortunately, cybersecurity technologies are optimized for maximum service overwatch without regard for compute resources and energy. This negates the energy reduction achieved in recent sustainable technology advancements. In this work, a generalized cybersecurity honeynet scheduling algorithm is proposed, in which power, CPU, and network overhead are operationalized to increase sustainability while balancing defensive mechanisms. The work describes both the mathematical foundation for the algorithm and a pseudocode proof of concept.