Evaluation of a Novel Intelligent Firewall Simulator for Dynamic Cyber Attack Lab

Firewall administration is an important topic in network security courses. However, most teaching aids of the topic commonly deal with static firewall analyses that does not adequately covers current dynamic and variety of cyber security attacks. This study presents our approach to introduce an intelligent firewall simulator to fill the gap. The simulator is based on iNetwork software and it has three different dynamic security attacks scenarios or modules. Each module is equipped with handbook or manual to aid student performs the simulation procedures. Evaluation of intelligent firewall simulator usage is performed by expert and student. Expert evaluation is focused on the content validity of the modules and its accompanying handbook, whilst student evaluation measures the perception of students after using the simulator. Finally, both evaluations show positive results that the content and manual of intelligent firewall modules are valid and also effective to improve student skills and understanding.