Work Factor

Work factor is a term often used with cryptography, but may have its origins elsewhere. In cryptography it is a significant factor to determine if the code (encrypted message) will be hard to break to reveal the true message. Work factor is how much effort is required or needed to break the cryptographic code and get the message. Work Factor is the amount of effort required to get to the solution?

Some ideas for the use of Work Factor could be used for determining how to set-up a strategic military operation; building a network security infrastructure; designing a game plan in competitive sports, and protecting information. Work Factor concepts should be considered whenever there is a need to challenge and hinder an adversarial opponent. If the opponent can not be outright and immediately defeated or abated then Work Factor strategy should be considered in addition to other measures. Work Factor is another layer of security when designing a company’s network infrastructure or protecting a valuable asset. In a military operation, strategically making the adversary work to get to the target or valued asset can slow their attack and even have them reconsider if the valued target is too excessive for them.

These are some considerations when using work factor concepts. Determine the value of the target or asset that is being protected. Once the value is assessed then determine all that could adversely affect and destroy the asset. It is from this analysis of collected information that varying degrees of Work Factor ideas and plans are created. Several Work Factor levels of difficulty can be used per valued asset.

For instance, if a physical asset is the target of value, such as holding a position in a military operation. Then the Work Factor could consist of physical controls such as walls, high electric fences, confusing maze of walls and obstacles or an underground facility impenetrable to attacks. Different types of controls can be implemented in addition to the physical controls. An effective Work Factor uses more than one control (physical, technical, operational, etc.) to protect the asset. The more controls that are used will increase the difficulty that the opponent or adversary will have in order to overcome and gain access or destroy the valued asset. The more valuable the asset the greater the Work Factor should be. Create the highest cost for the most valuable assets in order to make it prohibitive for the opponent or adversary to continue. (cost is not always monetary).

Work Factor is a method that benefits any organization’s need to protect their valued assets; develop strategic military operations; provide challenge in game theory and competitive sports. Used with other methods, controls, and activities, Work Factor effectiveness can be increased.