Interview With Cracker: What is BattleNet?
Posted by Cracker_Jax on January 26 2010 23:58:08
What is BattleNet?
BattleNet is a network of servers which goal is help those learning computer security and penetration testing by providing a penetration lab that they can connect to.
BUT...
BattleNet will be also be a lot more, for those that like the challenge there will be rewards, there are numerous projects in the works that will allow users to see what they have accomplished while connected to BattleNet, very similar to accolade system XboX 360 uses. The hope is to help younger people interested in computer security by learning one skill that is not encouraged in today's highschool , critically thinking, and provide a safe environment.
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Extended News
For our business clients, we can emulate any network they wish to test, any number of hosts, and even specialized some hardware, all they have to do is send us a request
How does it work?
A user/student/researcher will make a vpn connection to Battlenet, after that it is up to them, they are free to do whatever they want, use any technique, any tool. Perfect for those that like "open ended" challenges.
Challenges?
The challenges are broken down in scenarios, and they will vary on difficulty, very easy challenges start off with knowing the goal, systems, ip's, and like finding an open ftp server, web page vulnerability etc.. on the other extreme there are challenges that the only information given will be overall goal.. you have to figure everything out.
So is BattleNet a game?
If your a regular user there will be somewhat of a story line that goes along with each scenario, the content is not only there to help users figure out where to go next but to add a little entertainment to the mix. But the servers are real, and the exploit/hacks will be real also
For business clients, we have separate systems that will cater to them
How many servers does BattleNet have?
Currently, 20, All the critical systems are being perfected to accommodate a large load of users and the havok they will no less cause. We have plans to increase the total number of host to around 150 at launch, and we'll see form there where we need to go.
When will BattleNet be available to public?
As there isn't many on the development team which were currenly hoping to change, so those that wish to apply please stop by our IRC chatroom and talk to us, [battlenet.crackerjax.org/6697]
We plan on starting our stress testing in roughly 2 weeks and there will be a limited number of users that will be allowed.
so there is a BetaNet?
Well BattleNet is open to the developers at the moment, so for those that want to test it I would suggest getting on the test team.
Will BattleNet be for paying customers only?
We hope to provide some content that will be available to everyone at no charge, so that schools will be able to use our resources to teach. As our systems will be limited to a certain the number of connections, paying customers will have a dedicated slot on our vpn so they can connect at any time, however free user will have to contend with other users for open slots.
How much would it cost to upgrade from a free user to a customer?
At the moment, as this isn't final, the pricing for customer class will cost $5 for initial setup and $10 a month