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BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS AND INSIDER THREATS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE MITIGATION AND THE CASE FOR A NEW FRAMEWORK
Get PDFAdversarial insider threats are a persistent risk to critical infrastructure, particularly in aviation, where adversarial insider personnel (AIP) exploit systemic vulnerabilities to perpetrate high-impact crimes. The prevailing frames common for insider threat mitigation are most applicable to the adversarial lifecycle and comprehensive insider threat mitigation programs. While this thesis takes an economic approach to assessing many significant facets of insider threat mitigations, it also evaluates the limitations of current mitigation strategies. It introduces a novel Decision Control Framework (DCF) that permits subjective yet methodological and precise socio-economic evaluation of organizational efforts to select and deploy insider threat countermeasures. This framework is informed by behavioral economics and psychological theories. In addition, this thesis presents three case studies of recent insider threat cases at airports as a proxy for more general critical infrastructures, explores the problematic current trends of insider threats within the U.S., and evaluates adversarial, conspiratorial, and airport systems through simple, sequential, and mechanistic economic games to enhance the understanding of agent decision-making and validate historical observations. This research ultimately illustrates vulnerabilities and provides strategic recommendations, emphasizing unpredictability and revealing the implications of invisible and unknowable security measures.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisCivilian, Department of Homeland Securit
ATTACKING MULTI-LABEL AUDIO CLASSIFICATION WITH GREEDY TREE SEARCH
No full textAdversarial example attacks provide a means to fool deep neural networks (DNNs) into making inaccurate predictions with minimal input modifications. Some attacks specialize in attacking audio, but very few attacks have been developed for use against multi-label classification. We propose modifying the novel Greedy Tree Search (GTS) attack, developed in 2023 for multi-class image classification, to attack multi-label audio classifiers. The goal test for this attack is modified to test for set differences in the top five predicted labels for audio, using variations of white box, gray box, and black box settings. We tested the modified attack against 100 AudioSet inputs, using a custom designed attack success rate based on set differences among the top five model predictions. Across the designated attack success rates, GTS has created adversarial examples at 60-100% success, with low and mid-range attack success rates at 96-100%. Other established attacks are only successful 0-60% of the time. Against the low and mid-range attack success rates, the attack has proven capable of limiting noise to less than 1 dB, and with positive signal-to-noise ratios for 88-95% of the attack cases. GTS demonstrates the versatility of set-based multi-label attacks, and can be expanded to develop other evasion attacks. It can also be used for adversarial training of multi-label audio classifiers.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant, United States Nav
PROCEDURAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC TRUST: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING INVESTIGATION MODELS IN CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT
Get PDFThis thesis examines how investigative methods for officer-involved shootings (OIS) influence media reporting through the lens of procedural justice. Focusing on case studies of the Vallejo and San Diego Police Departments, it explores how shifts in investigative practices, such as transitioning to a task force method, impact media narratives about police agencies. The study reviews policies from over 100 California law enforcement agencies, legislative efforts, and media reports on OIS cases involving Vallejo PD and San Diego PD (2019–2023). The analysis focuses on the effects of investigative neutrality on public confidence, a key element of subjective police legitimacy. Findings indicate that adopting independent investigative practices enhances procedural justice perceptions in the press and can reduce public skepticism. At a minimum, such changes do not harm media portrayals of police agencies. Statewide variations in OIS methods highlight the need for standardized policies to uphold procedural justice tenets across agencies. The work contributes to understanding how investigative choices shape police legitimacy and offers recommendations for fostering transparency, fairness, and community trust in policing practices.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Oakland Police Departmen
READ @your library Afshon Ostovar (poster)
Get PDFA project of the Dudley Knox Library at the Naval Postgraduate School
Novel Methods of Measuring Atmospheric Turbulence for Laser Weapons
No full textNPS NRP Executive SummaryHigh-energy laser (HEL) and directed energy (DE) systems are highly sensitive to atmospheric turbulence, which distorts beam propagation and reduces effectiveness. Traditional turbulence measurement techniques, such as sonic anemometers, rely on indirect temperature-based methods that are prone to environmental contamination and noise. This study investigates laser interferometry as a direct method for measuring refractive index fluctuations. A phase-shifting Michelson interferometer was developed and tested against a co-located sonic anemometer in an open-air environment. The interferometer consistently measured higher turbulence levels, likely due to localized thermal effects near the optics table, but its power spectral density analysis confirmed agreement with expected turbulence scaling laws. These results highlight the interferometer’s potential for high-sensitivity, real-time turbulence measurements. Future work should focus on mitigating local thermal effects, assessing vibrational sensitivity, and adapting the system for shipboard deployment to enhance its operational viability for HEL applications.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)ASN(RDA) - Research, Development, and Acquisitio
Validation of Power Generation Prototypes in the Arctic Environment
Get PDFNPS NRP Executive SummaryThis study investigated potential sources of Arctic power generation that could support autonomous remote sensing technologies in the polar regions. Solar, wind, nuclear, chemical, mechanical and hybrid solutions have been considered, each having their strengths and weaknesses. Due to the inability to provide maintenance or repair support during the intense environmental conditions, these systems are required to be resilient and reliable through the most challenging environmental conditions. We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the individual methods. The most promising technologies that we studied for producing long-duration continuous power through the Arctic night include Seatrec’s energy-harvesting Arctic Power System (APS) approach and the Qynergy’s Dissolved Oxygen Power Source (DOPS); however, both need further development to make them practical for operational use. Using these systems in conjunction with rechargeable battery packs would likely be required to collect data continuously and transmit the data back to a remote command and control station in near real time. Solar panels can be used to supplement power demand during periods when the sun is available, saving the APS and DOPS systems to provide power when solar energy is not plentiful. While nuclear radioactive thermos-generator (RTG) power is a proven technology that works well for space-based sensors, the translation of that technology to the Arctic environment has important regulatory issues that must be overcome. On the other side of the coin, developing sensors that have lower power demand will help minimize power requirements so that more compact power sources can be employed. Additional research and development effort is needed, but the development of small power systems to energize low-power remote sensors is becoming feasible, which will allow rapid deployment of critical environmental sensing technologies to maintain the edge in the Navy’s undersea warfare (USW) mission capabilities.This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)N9 - Warfare System
A Generative-AI Approach to HPM Counter-Swarming
Get PDFThis research investigates the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven frameworks to optimize counter-swarming tactics using high-power microwave (HPM) systems against autonomous drone swarms. Building on previous Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) work in dynamic modeling and optimization of adversarial swarm engagements, this study addresses three critical sub-problems required to enable reinforcement learning (RL)-based, distributed neural network (NN) controllers for defending forces. First, analysis by Capt. Flynn revealed that the optimal defense strategy—whether to prioritize high-value unit (HVU) protection or rapid neutralization of attackers—depends primarily on the velocity ratio between attacker and defender platforms, providing key insights for RL reward function design. Second, Capt. Sharif’s work highlighted the importance of feature engineering in ensuring NN controller stability and effectiveness, identifying essential inputs for real-time decision-making. Lastly, CDR Peltier developed a robust NN-based adversary classifier, demonstrating that exposure to diverse and noisy operational scenarios significantly improves classifier adaptability and reliability. Together, these efforts lay the groundwork for a scalable, AI-driven counter-swarming framework capable of supporting dynamic and uncertain defense environments.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Naval Research Program, Office of Naval Researc
Sea Control Focused Alternative Force Design
No full textNPS NRP Executive SummaryThis classified campaign of analyses directly supported Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N72 and OPNAV N81 future force design efforts through a force design workshop, campaign analysis capstone projects, two wargames, a strategic risk assessment workshop, and a technical risk assessment workshop. Results from each specific event was provided to OPNAV staff immediately after they occurred and were summarized in a classified annual report. A bimodal force design as an alternative sea control force emerged from these efforts and was briefed to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO); Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Commander, Pacific Fleet; Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and various other naval flag officers at the CNO Futures Wargame. The bimodal fleet concept was integrated into the CNO’s Hybrid Force Design 2045 Concept by OPNAV N71. This campaign of analyses resulted in a 2045 carrier air wing design with primary mission of extended sea control; design and assessment of a multi-domain crewed and uncrewed sea denial system to operate inside an adversary’s weapons’ engagement zone; a logistics fleet design and assessment to operate inside an adversary’s weapons’ engagement zone; and recommendations for joint service capabilities to replace any power projection lost from the 2045 carrier air wing design. Specifics of these products are included in the final classified report. The foundational wartime Navy mission is to establish control of maritime environments where necessary to meet integrated naval and joint campaign objectives. Specific sea control missions range from protection of sea-borne logistics to maritime defense of expeditionary basing. At the most basic level, this is the Navy’s primary contribution as a joint force enabler.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)N8 - Integration of Capabilities & Resource
RESPONSE TO MARITIME THREATS IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC: THE CASE FOR BRAZIL AND NIGERIA
No full textThis thesis evaluates the maritime security strategies of Brazil and Nigeria in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Guinea (GOG), focusing on the roles of their navies, civil–military relations, and international collaboration. Using the control effectiveness framework, this study examines how these nations address transnational maritime threats, such as piracy, narcotrafficking, and illegal fishing. Brazil's proactive strategy, anchored in the Blue Amazon initiative and naval modernization efforts, contrasts with Nigeria's reactive approach, shaped by resource constraints and competing land-based priorities. The analysis highlights how civil–military relations influence naval effectiveness, with Brazil benefiting from structured oversight despite political tensions, while Nigeria struggles with corruption and inconsistent governance. The findings underscore the critical role of resource allocation, regional cooperation, and U.S. engagement in enhancing maritime security. This study offers insights for policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen bilateral and multilateral security efforts in these strategically significant regions.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Arm
The Impact of the Joint Interagency Field Experimentation Program on Small Business Success
Get PDFExcerpt from the Proceedings of the Twenty-Second Annual Acquisition Research Symposium and Innovation Summit.This paper examines the impact of the Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) on the success of small businesses within the Department of Defense (DoD) innovation ecosystem. JIFX provides a collaborative, real-world experimentation environment for companies to test emerging technologies, refine capabilities, and engage with government stakeholders. Through a mixed-methods approach including quantitative data analysis and interviews with repeat and first-time JIFX participants, this study identifies how JIFX participation contributes to technological development, strategic business positioning, and long-term outcomes such as funding, acquisitions, and follow-on contracts. The research finds that JIFX serves as a strategic entry point into the defense market and fosters a resource-based competitive advantage for its participants. Recommendations are provided for enhancing the JIFX program’s visibility, collaboration mechanisms, and integration with downstream acquisition pathways. These insights support policy and program development to better connect early-stage innovators with DoD operational needs.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited