Integrating Pattern Concepts & Network Security Architecture

The successful creation of an information security architecture relies heavily on the availability of expert knowledge, adherence to methodology, and the successful application of relevant tools. In this paper, we describe the beginnings of an attempt to unify a security methodology with the concept of design patterns. To further this aim, we describe the hierarchical and interdependent application of a pattern description system, and describe the concrete implementation of that system as an XML dialect, the security architecture description language (SADL). Limitations are discussed and proposals for future work are also considered