DNA Multi-Processor Solution
 

Distributed Network Attack, (a.k.a DNA) from AccessData, is a new approach to recovering password protected files. In the past, recoveries have been limited to the processing power of one machine. DNA uses the power of machines across the network or across the world to decrypt passwords. The DNA Server is installed in a central location where machines running DNA Client can access it over the network. DNA Manager coordinates the attack, assigning small portions of the key search to machines distributed throughout the network. DNA Client will run in the background, only taking unused processor time.

Client Challenge:
 

Vendors were asked to provide a robust solution to rapidly decrypt and recover password protected files. The system is part of an effort to collect and analyze computer forensics evidence and support ongoing criminal investigations. The solution also had to fit within a single rack due to space constraints, support the use of data tables of various types, multiple processors, hardware acceleration, be compatible with systems already in use and handle terabytes of storage. Of course, it also had to support hundreds of users across the network and be expandable, and be integrated and deployed within 90 days, start to finish. The final issue on the table was for it all to be handled as a single procurement, and preferably from a single GSA Schedule Contractor (if practical).

Lyme Solution:
 

After being contacted by AccessData and Tableau, LCS put together the complete solution, utilizing our status as a Dell GSA Partner to provide the servers, along with the SATABeast (28 Drives, 14 Terabytes) from Nexsan. Other accessories, including Playstation 3's from Sony, which all formed part of the solution, were delivered to AccessData for factory integation and testing. A key component of the solution included the TACC1441 Hardware Accelerator from Tableau (pictured below). The delivered solution included twenty TACC1441 units, each integrated with a Dell PowerEdge 1950 Server to provide the horsepower the client was ultimately looking for. The entire system was managed and run by DNA from AccessData.

Tableau's TACC1441 sets the new standard in password recovery performance. Working in conjunction with software from the established leader in password recovery, AccessData, Tableau's TACC1441 delivers unprecedented password attack rates. WinRAR, PGP, and WinZip are widely used file formats which present enormous challenges for password recovery software running on traditional processing platforms. The TACC1441 accelerates each of these algorithms by a factor of 6x - 30x compared to un-accelerated processors.

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