Grid Computing Security

Grid computing is widely regarded as a technology of immense potential in both industry and academia. Yet many enterprises are still hesitant about the implementation of an enterprise-level grid system, due to the lack of consistent and widely used standards. Security is probably the most important concern and needs both close understanding and careful implementation as grid computing offers unique security challenges.

Based on his research and industry experience, Chakrabarti has structured the issues pertaining to grid computing security into three main categories: architecture-related, infrastructure-related, and management-related issues. He discusses all three categories in detail, presents existing solutions, standards, and products, and pinpoints their shortcomings and open questions.

Together with a brief introduction into grid computing in general and underlying security technologies, this book offers the first concise and detailed introduction to this important area, targeting professionals in the grid industry as well as students specializing in grid computing, networking, peer-to-peer systems, or operating systems. It can also be used as the basis for a self-contained course on grid computing security, complementing the authors tutorials at grid conferences.

Anirban Chakrabarti works as a Senior Research Associate in the Grid Computing Focus Group in the Software Engineering Technology Labs (SETLabs) of Infosys Technologies, India. He has published several papers in his areas of research (grid computing and Internet infrastructure encompassing security, manageability, and application aspects) and has co-presented well-received tutorials: "Network Security: Internet Infrastructure and Wireless Networks" at IEEE INFOCOM 2004 (the tutorial is currently available under the IEEE Tutorials Now program); and "Grid Computing Security" at CCGrid 2005.

Overview of Security.- Taxonomy of Grid Security Issues.- Grid Information Security Architecture.- Grid Authorization Systems.- Service Level Security in Grid Systems.- Host Level Security.- Grid Network Security.- Grid Credential Management Systems.- Managing Trust in the Grid.- Grid Monitoring.- Putting it All Together.- Conclusion.