Did you ever wonder if someday we might be able to zoom around computer networks on one of those "Tron" motorbikes killing viruses like demons in a Doom game? That day may be here sooner than you think.
Scientists with the Lincoln Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a 3D interface using the Unity engine that allows IT officials to monitor computer networks as if they are playing a FPS, according to New Scientist.
The players control their movements just like a traditional video game through a keyboard or controller and can "teleport" from one part of the network to the other to check for anomalies in the system. It also responds to potential threats and intrusions just like a video game might with animations that show flashing lights, fire and explosions. They can then shut down any affected machines that have been infected with viruses or hacked into by outside parties.
The goal is to build a virtual version of the network's real world environment complete with trees, lawns, cars and buildings to make it easier to recognize and navigate. This makes the experience of monitoring networks more immersive and makes it easier to spot potential problems than through traditional interfaces.
New Scientist: The real Tron: IT security as a shoot 'em up