Operation Newtype Protocol

30 Apr 2025 - joe

Operation Newtype Protocol

A Gundam-Themed Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise

Exercise Overview

Title: Operation Newtype Protocol
Duration: 4 hours (recommended)
Target Audience: Newtype Analysts, Mobile Suit Response Teams, Federation Engineers, Command Staff
Difficulty: Ensign to Admiral-level
Objective: Test the Earth Federation’s Cyber Defense Force’s ability to detect, contain, and neutralize a sophisticated Zeon infiltration attempting to compromise Federation networks and their allied colony systems.

Learning Objectives

1. Evaluate team coordination during complex digital warfare operations
2. Test mobile suit response capabilities across different attack vectors
3. Assess communication protocols both internally and with colony allies
4. Practice decision-making under pressure with limited intelligence
5. Identify gaps in current Minovsky particle security measures

Exercise Structure

Preparation Phase (2 weeks prior)

1. Commander Selection: Appoint 1-2 individuals to coordinate the exercise
2. Pilot Selection: Identify key operatives from various Federation defense divisions
3. Resource Preparation: Ready the necessary documentation, secure comms, and simulated battle environments
4. Pre-Exercise Briefing: Conduct a short mission briefing explaining exercise parameters and expectations

Exercise Roles

1. Commander: Controls exercise flow, introduces battle scenarios, evaluates responses
2. Newtype Analysts: System specialists responsible for monitoring the network
3. Mobile Suit Response Teams: Digital countermeasure experts who respond to intrusions
4. Federation Engineers: Technical specialists who maintain defense infrastructure
5. Command Staff: Decision-makers who balance security with strategic objectives
6. Observers: Record actions, decisions, and potential improvements
7. Colony Representatives: (Optional) Add realism to ally communications

Exercise Materials

Required Documentation

1. Federation cybersecurity protocol manuals
2. Emergency communication templates
3. Colony contact database
4. Escalation procedures
5. Technical documentation of systems and Mobile Suit architecture
6. Exercise evaluation metrics

Technical Setup (Optional)

1. Isolated simulation environment for forensic investigations
2. Encrypted comm channels (separate from production networks)
3. Operation countdown display
4. Collaborative holographic workspaces

Scenario Background

The Earth Federation Space Force’s Cyber Defense Division provides network monitoring and intrusion response services to over 50 space colonies and Federation bases across the Earth Sphere. Among their prime allies are:

• Side 1 Financial Authority (banking and cryptocurrency)
• Side 4 Medical Research (healthcare and biotech)
• Luna II Command (military infrastructure)
• Von Braun City (advanced technology development)

The Federation utilizes a state-of-the-art Newtype Detection Center (NDC) that aggregates data streams and alerts from allied environments, with a centralized holographic interface for monitoring and response.

Exercise Narrative

A specialized unit of Zeon infiltration specialists known as “Char’s Phantoms” has identified the Federation’s Cyber Defense Division as the perfect target for a military infiltration operation. Their objective is to compromise the Federation’s infrastructure to gain access to high-value colony systems and military installations. The attack will unfold in multiple stages over the course of the exercise, combining both cyber warfare and psychological operations tactics.

Exercise Timeline and Battle Scenarios

Phase 1: Initial Detection (0:00-1:00)

Setting the Scene (0:00-0:10)

• Commander introduces the scenario as a standard duty shift at Federation NDC
• Teams are at their stations performing routine network monitoring

Battle Scenario 1 (0:10): Unauthorized Access Detection

• A NDC alert shows an unusual successful authentication to the security platform from an unregistered terminal
• The credentials belong to a junior analyst who is currently on leave aboard a supply vessel
• The login occurred during the colony night cycle when security protocols are at minimal levels

Expected Actions

• Investigate the security alert
• Check analyst’s status via secure comms
• Review login source and trace the digital signature
• Begin documenting the incident in the Federation database

Battle Scenario 2 (0:30): Discovery of Suspicious Network Activity

• The compromised account has been spotted running unusual queries in the security platform
• Queries focused on gathering information about colony connections, particularly for Side 1 and Luna II
• Several attempts to escalate user privileges were detected by passive security systems

Expected Actions

• Escalate the incident to senior team members
• Consider isolating potentially affected subsystems
• Begin preparing initial colony communication if necessary
• Start assembling a rapid response team

Battle Scenario 3 (0:45): Data Extraction Detection

• An advanced monitoring system identifies a potential data extraction program installed on an internal system
• The program appears to have been injected using the compromised credentials
• Initial evidence suggests sensitive data about colony network architectures may have been accessed

Expected Actions

• Activate formal intrusion response procedures
• Assign roles and responsibilities to team members
• Begin deeper digital forensic investigation
• Consider whether to notify allied colonies at this stage

Phase 2: Escalation (1:00-2:00)

Battle Scenario 4 (1:00): Colony Alert - Side 1

• Side 1 security division calls reporting suspicious activities in their environment
• They’ve detected scanning routines coming from an IP address associated with Federation’s management infrastructure
• The scanning appears to be targeting their financial transaction processing systems

Expected Actions

• Acknowledge the potential connection to the earlier compromise
• Collaborate with the colony’s security team
• Investigate potential pivot from Federation systems to colony network
• Update incident documentation and escalate internally

Battle Scenario 5 (1:20): Advanced Malware Detection

• Analysis of the compromised system reveals a sophisticated, previously unseen Zeon malware variant
• The malware provides persistent access and has anti-forensic routines
• Evidence shows the malware has been present for approximately 30 days, slowly mapping the network

Expected Actions

• Perform detailed code analysis
• Begin investigating patient zero and initial infection vector
• Consider implications for other systems and allied colonies
• Update incident response team and command level

Battle Scenario 6 (1:40): Digital Countermeasures

• The intruders begin wiping logs and evidence from compromised systems
• Attempts to modify monitoring rules to avoid future detection are observed
• A colony data-bomb is discovered but not yet detonated

Expected Actions

• Take steps to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed
• Implement additional monitoring to track intruder movements
• Consider system isolation measures
• Update risk assessment based on data-bomb discovery

Phase 3: Crisis Management (2:00-3:00)

Battle Scenario 7 (2:00): Critical Infrastructure Alert

• Luna II reports unusual connection attempts to their weapons control systems
• The attempts are coming from trusted Federation monitoring servers
• Luna II has severed Federation’s access nodes as a precaution

Expected Actions

• Acknowledge the severity of the situation
• Implement crisis communication procedures
• Coordinate with Luna II’s security division
• Prepare for potential military reporting requirements and political fallout

Battle Scenario 8 (2:20): Command Involvement

• Federation’s Admiral demands an immediate briefing on the situation
• Several other colony allies have begun calling with concerns
• Media outlets across the Earth Sphere have begun circulating rumors about a major security breach

Expected Actions

• Prepare a concise executive summary
• Organize information for efficient decision-making
• Advise on potential strategic PR approaches
• Continue technical response activities

Battle Scenario 9 (2:40): Zeon Demands

• A holographic message appears on several compromised systems
• The attackers claim to have exfiltrated colony data and threaten to use it for military operations
• They demand political concessions within 48 hours

Expected Actions

• Document the Zeon demands
• Assess legitimacy of the attacker’s claims
• Discuss potential response options with command
• Consider military intelligence notification
• Prepare for potential data breach notifications to allied colonies

Phase 4: Resolution and Recovery (3:00-4:00)

Battle Scenario 10 (3:00): Intruder Tactics Identified

• Digital forensics reveals the complete attack path and techniques used
• Evidence points to Char’s Phantoms with suspected Zeon backing
• A zero-day vulnerability in the NDC’s Newtype interface is identified as the initial entry point

Expected Actions

• Document all findings for post-incident analysis
• Develop a comprehensive remediation plan
• Prioritize critical security gaps for immediate patching
• Prepare technical details for affected colonies

Battle Scenario 11 (3:20): Containment Decision Point

• The incident response team must decide on final containment actions
• Options include temporary shutdown of the NDC platform vs. aggressive monitoring
• Each option has different impacts on Federation defense capabilities, political relations, and recovery time

Expected Actions

• Evaluate pros and cons of each option
• Make a decision based on risk assessment
• Communicate the decision and rationale to stakeholders
• Begin implementing the chosen approach

Battle Scenario 12 (3:40): Recovery Planning

• With the immediate threat contained, focus shifts to recovery
• Multiple colony allies are demanding detailed incident reports
• Political agencies and military command are awaiting updates

Expected Actions

• Develop a prioritized recovery sequence
• Create a communication plan for different stakeholders
• Prepare initial military notifications
• Begin documenting lessons learned

Conclusion (3:50-4:00)

• Commander declares the end of the exercise
• Brief initial feedback from participants
• Schedule a formal debrief session for the following day

Exercise Evaluation

Evaluation Metrics

1. Detection Effectiveness
   • Time to detect initial compromise
   • Ability to identify related security events
   • Thoroughness of investigation
2. Response Efficiency
   • Time from detection to initial response
   • Appropriateness of response actions
   • Resource allocation and utilization
3. Communication Effectiveness
   • Internal communication clarity and timeliness
   • Colony communication appropriateness
   • Command updates and escalations
4. Decision Quality
   • Risk assessment accuracy
   • Decision-making under pressure
   • Balance between security and operational continuity

Post-Exercise Activities

1. Tactical Debrief (Immediately following exercise)
   • Quick round-table discussion of initial impressions
   • Identification of major strengths and weaknesses
   • Collection of immediate feedback
2. Formal Command Review (1-2 days after exercise)
   • Structured review of exercise timeline and decisions
   • Analysis of major decision points
   • Documentation of lessons learned
3. Improvement Planning (1-2 weeks after exercise)
   • Development of specific action items
   • Assignment of responsibilities for improvements
   • Timeline for implementing changes
4. Follow-up Operation (3-6 months later)
   • Targeted scenario to test improvements
   • Focus on previously identified weaknesses
   • Validate effectiveness of changes

Commander Guidelines

Pre-Exercise Preparation

1. Scenario Customization
   • Adjust technical details to match your Federation’s environment
   • Modify colony names and sectors as appropriate
   • Ensure technical injects are realistic for your tools and processes
2. Information Control
   • Determine what information is available to participants at each stage
   • Prepare answers for likely questions from participants
   • Create physical or digital information cards for injects
3. Environment Setup
   • Arrange the exercise space to facilitate team communications
   • Test any technical systems or battle simulations
   • Prepare backup plans for technical failures

During Exercise Facilitation

1. Maintaining Realism
   • Introduce complications that might occur in real incidents
   • Provide realistic time pressures
   • Limit information as would happen in real scenarios
2. Adaptability
   • Be prepared to adjust scenario pacing based on participant progress
   • Have additional scenarios ready if teams resolve issues quickly
   • Be willing to provide hints if teams get completely stuck
3. Observation
   • Take notes on key decisions and actions
   • Identify teaching moments for the debrief
   • Document specific areas for improvement

Post-Exercise Activities

1. Facilitating Discussion
   • Use open-ended questions to promote reflection
   • Focus on process improvements rather than assigning blame
   • Highlight both strengths and areas for improvement
2. Documentation
   • Compile observations and participant feedback
   • Prepare a comprehensive after-action report
   • Develop specific, actionable recommendations

Appendix: Detailed Technical Scenarios

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 1

• Username: e.bright.analyst
• Terminal Signature: MS-156.73.42 (Location: Side 3, suspected Zeon territory)
• Timestamp: 03:27 AM colony time
• Access method: Minovsky particle disruption followed by biometric override
• Failed attempts: None (successful on first try, indicating insider knowledge or advanced tech)

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 2

• Data queries executed:

  SELECT colony_id, colony_name, sector, primary_contact FROM colonies WHERE priority_level = 'Strategic'
  SELECT connection_string, access_credentials, defense_diagram FROM colony_access WHERE colony_id = 'S1001'
  SELECT * FROM user_accounts WHERE access_level = 'Command'
  

• Privilege escalation attempt:

  • Use of built-in diagnostic routine with known privilege escalation vulnerability
  • Attempt to add signature to command security group

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 3

• Data extraction details:
  • Name: minovsky64.exe (disguised as legitimate system process)
  • Location: C:\FederationCore\DefenseNet\Services\
  • Behavior: Establishes encrypted connection to suspected Zeon server at Node 45.67.231.188
  • Data accessed: Colony configuration database, network diagrams, defense protocols

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 5

• Malware characteristics:
  • Custom-built intrusion suite with elements similar to known Zeon cyber weapon “RedComet”
  • Uses Minovsky particle tunneling for command and control
  • Anti-forensic capabilities including log deletion and timestamp modification
  • Loads directly into Federation processors to avoid traditional detection
  • Command and control domains:
    • status-update-service.federation.net (compromised)
    • cdn-delivery-network.luna2
    • system-verification.vonbraun

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 7

• Luna II weapons system connection attempts:
  • Target systems: Mobile Suit deployment controllers
  • Access attempts using legitimate Federation service account
  • Commands attempted include configuration changes to defense system settings
  • Source: Federation monitoring server 192.168.24.56

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 9

• Zeon message text:

  ATTENTION EARTH FEDERATION FORCES:
    
  Your systems have been compromised. We have extracted 2.3TB of data including:
  - Colony defense diagrams
  - Mobile Suit access codes
  - Confidential strategic plans
    
  We demand the immediate withdrawal of Federation forces from Side 3 space and recognition of Zeon independence.
    
  You have 48 hours. The countdown has begun.
    
  For proof, check directory C:\Evidence on your security director's command terminal.
    
  - SIEG ZEON
  

Technical Details for Battle Scenario 10

• Attack path:
  1. Initial access via exploited zero-day in Newtype interface service (CVE-0079-XXXX)
  2. Credential theft using memory scraping technique
  3. Lateral movement via compromised command account
  4. Persistence established through modified system routines and backdoored DLL
  5. Defense evasion using Minovsky particle dispersion and log deletion
  6. Command and control via encrypted tunneling
  7. Data exfiltration via chunked, encrypted transfers to Zeon destinations