A study of usability-aware network trace anonymization

The publication and sharing of network trace data is a critical to the advancement of collaborative research among various entities, both in government, private sector, and academia. However, due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the data involved, entities have to employ various anonymization techniques to meet legal requirements in compliance with confidentiality policies. Nevertheless, the very composition of network trace data makes it a challenge when applying anonymization techniques. On the other hand, basic application of microdata anonymization techniques on network traces is problematic and does not deliver the necessary data usability. Therefore, as a contribution, we point out some of the ongoing challenges in the network trace anonymization. We then suggest usability-aware anonymization heuristics by employing microdata privacy techniques while giving consideration to usability of the anonymized data. Our preliminary results show that with trade-offs, it might be possible to generate anonymized network traces with enhanced usability, on a case-by-case basis using micro-data anonymization techniques.