  The open-source Helix++ project improves the security posture of computing
platforms by applying cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques to diversify and
harden software automatically. A distinguishing feature of Helix++ is that it
does not require source code or build artifacts; it operates directly on
software in binary form--even stripped executables and libraries. This feature
is key as rebuilding applications from source is a time-consuming and often
frustrating process. Diversification breaks the software monoculture and makes
attacks harder to execute as information needed for a successful attack will
have changed unpredictably. Diversification also forces attackers to customize
an attack for each target instead of attackers crafting an exploit that works
reliably on all similarly configured targets. Hardening directly targets key
attack classes. The combination of diversity and hardening provides
defense-in-depth, as well as a moving target defense, to secure the Nation's
cyber infrastructure.
