Security issues in the ABELS system for linking distributed simulations

The Agent-Based Environment for Linking Simulations (ABELS) framework is designed to allow physically distributed simulations and other data resources to form a "data cloud" for the exchange of information. In particular it uses a distributed brokering system to facilitate dynamic linkings between independently-designed, autonomous participants, without requiring the use of stringent standards to which participants must conform. This paper discusses various challenges in developing a security framework for the ABELS system.