Management of promising research projects of the US Department of Defense (DARPA) has launched a new program called Intrinsic Cognitive Security (ICS) to protect mixed reality helmets (Mixed Reality, MR) from potential “cognitive attacks” that could paralyze soldiers on the battlefield. The program aims to develop methods to safeguard against any hostile actions that exploit the close connection between users and MR equipment. This includes virtual data injection, manipulations with physical objects, and interaction with tracking devices.
DARPA defines cognitive attacks as actions that can mislead users or prevent them from completing tasks, resulting in paralysis due to an excess of data or false attention signals. To counter these threats, DARPA believes that formal methods can be expanded to protect mixed reality users. The program seeks to create mathematical models of human perception and develop universal protection against cognitive attacks.
Despite the program’s goals, there have been challenges. Tests of the Hololes mixed reality helmet in 2022 revealed that prolonged use led to headaches, eye irritation, and nausea. The Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a joint development project with Microsoft, encountered technical problems and delays, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the investments made.
Nevertheless, DARPA remains confident in its approach and aims to develop protection methods for mixed reality systems before they become widely used on the battlefield.