GHOST envisions a transparent cybersecurity environment for all Europeans living in a connected world. The aim of the project is to raise awareness and understanding of consumers in regards cybersecurity risks and enable them to make informative decisions affecting their cyber-physical security and privacy.

The mission of GHOST is to deliver the first generation of disruptive software-enabled usable security network solutions for smart-home occupants. GHOST technology increases the level and the effectiveness of automation of existing cybersecurity services, enhances system self-defence and opens up the cybersecurity ‘blackbox’ to consumers. The project builds trust using advanced usable transparency tools derived from end-users’ mental models. GHOST software is embedded in home network gateways and performs network analysis and deep packet inspections for suspicious pattern recognition.

Technically, to achieve the above GHOST:

• applies machine learning and data analytics for malicious behaviour detection,

• carries out context-aware real-time risk assessment,

• applies data analytics and visualization for effortless user comprehension and decision support,

• strengthens security defence through blockchain technology and smart contracts, and

• ensures interoperability with various gateways and a wealth of IoT devices through a dedicated middleware layer.