Research at Secure Decisions has illustrated the potential for visualization to hasten decision-making analysts defending for networks under attack. This is especially true for Zero-Day attacks, where methods of attack, straightforward remedies and risk assessments are not readily available from the usual sources. Analysts must make rapid decisions based upon available information, yet information inundation is likely to undermine their best efforts.

Visualization acts as a force mulitplier when it enables analysts to ignore irrelevant data, rapidly change visual contexts (similar to zooming on a map), and provides them with images to accompany messages between collaborating analysts and system managers. In general, visualization can enhance the entire ensemble of security tools by providing desktop- or situation-based access to each tool's specialized capabilities. Although strides have been made in visualization for network defense, in some respects the discipline is still in its infancy, with even better 3D, rapidly navigable visualizations in the offing.