Crimson Vista Teams with Brigham Young University to Work Together on Research Grant from Department of the Army

BALTIMORE, MD - Crimson Vista announces their competitive selection along with Brigham Young University to partner on work related to a grant from the Department of the Army, US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Army Research Office. Their joint Phase I proposal, entitled, “Mitigation of Ransomware” was selected for negotiation and possible Phase I award.

Innovative Ransomware Defense

The research grant is part of the Army Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Crimson Vista’s proposal was for technology that enabled “RAM Journaling” – the tracking of cryptographic keys created during the operation of the machine. These keys would be recorded and tracked so that if the machine was infected with Ransomware, the keys could then be used to unlock it.

Academic Partnership

The work was contracted with Brigham Young University as part of a technology transfer between Crimson Vista and the university. Crimson Vista’s founder and chief scientist, Dr. Seth Nielson, worked with Dr. Kent Seamons from the BYU Computer Science Department.

The full contract, W911NF-19-P-0015, was signed on December 20, 2018.

Technology Overview

RAM Journaling Technology:

• Cryptographic Key Tracking - Monitor and record encryption keys in real-time
• Ransomware Recovery - Enable decryption without paying ransom
• System Protection - Defend critical information systems
• Innovative Approach - Novel method for combating modern ransomware threats

Research Significance

This research addresses one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats facing organizations today. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and costly, making innovative defense mechanisms crucial for protecting critical systems and data.

Impact Areas

• Military Systems - Protection of defense infrastructure
• Enterprise Security - Solutions for commercial organizations
• Critical Infrastructure - Defense of essential services
• Research Advancement - Contributing to cybersecurity science

About the STTR Program

The Army Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is a highly competitive federal program that reserves a specific percentage of federal R&D funds for small businesses to partner with research institutions. The program aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

About Crimson Vista

Founded by Dr. Seth Nielson in 2016, Crimson Vista, Inc. is a specialized engineering firm providing high-tech analysis, integration, and support especially in critical areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and wireless communication. After more than a decade of broad industry practice in cybersecurity, Dr. Nielson’s goal in launching Crimson Vista was to bridge security gaps in an industry driven by technology silos and over-specialization. The firm’s focus is on multi-domain solutions that factor in business objectives, legal and regulatory considerations, advanced technologies as well as human psychology. The team at Crimson Vista has experience working in academia, government, commercial businesses, and non-profits. Successful projects have been developed for start-ups, SMBs, and Fortune 100 companies. Learn more at: www.crimsonvista.com.

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For more information about Crimson Vista’s research partnerships and ransomware defense capabilities, contact us at research@crimsonvista.com.