Stuxnet Scenario: Research Facility Milestone
Scenario Details for IMs
Opening Presentation
“It’s Monday morning at the Advanced Energy Research Institute, and final preparations are underway for Wednesday’s presentation to Congress on breakthrough renewable energy technology. The research represents a decade of work by 50 scientists and could revolutionize U.S. energy independence. But during final data validation, researchers are discovering inconsistencies in experimental results that could invalidate the entire project. Initial investigation suggests sophisticated malware may have compromised research systems, potentially representing a nation-state attack targeting U.S. scientific advantages.”
Initial Symptoms to Present:
- “Experimental data showing subtle inconsistencies that could invalidate breakthrough research findings”
- “Research computing systems displaying normal operations while data integrity checks reveal manipulation”
- “Network monitoring detecting unexpected communication patterns on classified research networks”
- “International collaboration system logs showing unusual access patterns and data transfer activities”
Key Discovery Paths:
Detective Investigation Leads:
- Forensic analysis reveals sophisticated malware designed specifically for research data manipulation and theft
- Research system examination shows covert data exfiltration targeting classified renewable energy breakthrough technology
- Collaboration timeline analysis reveals compromise during establishment of international research partnership systems
Protector System Analysis:
- Research data integrity monitoring reveals systematic manipulation of experimental results and scientific calculations
- Classified information systems analysis shows potential compromise of national laboratory intellectual property
- Network security assessment reveals breach of air-gapped classified research computing environments
Tracker Network Investigation:
- Traffic analysis reveals covert data exfiltration channels targeting classified research and breakthrough technologies
- Research collaboration monitoring shows unauthorized access to scientific data and intellectual property
- Attribution investigation suggests nation-state-level espionage targeting U.S. scientific and technological advantages
Communicator Stakeholder Interviews:
- Research scientists describe subtle anomalies in experimental data that could compromise research validity
- International collaboration partners explain data sharing procedures that may have introduced compromise vectors
- Classification security staff describe federal requirements for protecting national laboratory research and intellectual property
Mid-Scenario Pressure Points:
- Hour 1: Lead scientist reports that 30% of critical experimental data shows manipulation that could invalidate research conclusions
- Hour 2: Congressional staff calls to confirm research presentation schedule and breakthrough technology demonstration
- Hour 3: Laboratory director discovers that backup research systems show different results than primary computing displays
- Hour 4: Research security officer finds evidence that classified breakthrough technology data may have been exfiltrated to foreign adversaries
Evolution Triggers:
- If data manipulation continues, breakthrough research presentation will be based on compromised and invalid scientific results
- If Congressional presentation is cancelled, years of research investment and national energy policy development are delayed
- If classified research has been exfiltrated to foreign adversaries, U.S. scientific and economic competitive advantages are compromised
Resolution Pathways:
Technical Success Indicators:
- Team identifies sophisticated malware and research data manipulation and theft
- Research data integrity restored through comprehensive validation and malware removal
- Classified information protection enhanced while maintaining legitimate international scientific collaboration
Business Success Indicators:
- Research integrity and Congressional presentation timeline maintained throughout cybersecurity incident response
- Breakthrough technology development protected from foreign espionage and competitive compromise
- National laboratory mission fulfilled while addressing sophisticated nation-state cybersecurity threats
Learning Success Indicators:
- Team understands nation-state espionage threats to research institutions and intellectual property
- Participants recognize scientific research cybersecurity challenges and classified information protection requirements
- Group demonstrates coordination between cybersecurity, research operations, and national security considerations
Common IM Facilitation Challenges:
If Research Integrity Impact Is Minimized:
“While you’re conducting technical analysis, Dr. Martinez just confirmed that experimental data manipulation could invalidate the entire breakthrough research project, potentially wasting a decade of scientific work and billions in federal investment. How do you protect research integrity?”
If Espionage Implications Are Avoided:
“Linda just found evidence that classified renewable energy technology data may have been stolen and transferred to foreign competitors. What does this mean for U.S. energy independence and scientific advantages?”
If Congressional Pressure Is Underestimated:
“Senator Kim’s office just called to confirm that Wednesday’s presentation will demonstrate revolutionary technology that could change national energy policy. Can you guarantee the research data is valid and hasn’t been compromised?”