Expert system configures intrusion detection systems

The CONFIDS expert system configures an Army facility intrusion detection system (FIDS). The FIDS uses reliable communication links to alert an operator of a monitor console to intrusion attempts, which are detected by remote sensors. The authors faced two major challenges in developing the expert system: to encode the necessary electronic security expertise, and to design the user interface to allow effective use by novices. During the project they realized another important goal: the authors designed CONFIDS to facilitate modification. The system has performed well in comparison to human experts and has proven to be usable by novices.