Kira Sterling Attwood

Title: Kira Sterling Attwood: Innovator in Network Security

Introduction

Kira Sterling Attwood is a prominent inventor based in Chapel Hill, NC (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of network security, holding a total of 4 patents. Her innovative work focuses on techniques to defend against network flooding attacks, which are critical in maintaining server integrity and performance.

Latest Patents

Kira's latest patents include a "Technique of defending against network flooding attacks using a connectionless protocol." This invention is designed to prevent server overload and potential crippling due to a flooding of connectionless datagrams, whether caused by intentional attacks or other factors. The method involves determining the number of datagrams already queued to a specified port from a host. If this number exceeds a predetermined threshold, the datagram is discarded. The threshold is calculated by multiplying a percentage P by the number of available queue slots remaining for the port.

Another notable patent is the "Technique of defending against network connection flooding attacks." This invention aims to prevent server overload from a flooding of connection requests. In this case, the number of connections assigned to a host for a specified port is assessed. If this number surpasses a first threshold, the connection request is denied. However, there is an option to override this denial if a quality of service parameter allows it. If the number of available connections is below a second threshold, the request is denied regardless.

Career Highlights

Kira Sterling Attwood is currently employed at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where she continues to innovate in the field of network security. Her work has been instrumental in developing solutions that enhance the resilience of servers against various types of attacks.

Collaborations

Kira has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Linwood Hugh Overby, Jr. and James Russell Godwin. These partnerships have contributed to her success and the advancement of her inventions.

Conclusion

Kira Sterling Attwood is a trailblazer in network security, with her patents addressing critical vulnerabilities in server systems. Her contributions are vital in the ongoing battle against cyber threats, ensuring that technology remains secure and reliable.