Computer Systems Security

Identification and authentication are fundamental pillars of computer security. These processes ensure that only authorized users access a system and prevent malicious actors from impersonating others. This week’s exploration dives into these concepts, their importance, and the technologies that support secure user verification. Key Takeaways from the Week Additional Insights The exploration of biometric authentication […]

Operating system security is a critical aspect of modern cybersecurity. Over the week, exploring concepts, engaging in discussions, and analyzing reports provided deeper insight into the mechanisms protecting operating systems and the challenges associated with securing them. Additionally, a deeper dive into Linux and Windows file structures offered a fresh perspective on their design philosophies

Memory management is a core component of operating systems (OS) that ensures efficient allocation, protection, and access control of memory resources. This article covers essential concepts like fragmentation, virtual memory, segmentation, and paging, along with the mechanisms that enable multitasking in modern systems. The Basics of Memory Management The main memory of a computer is

Operating system (OS) protection is a fundamental component in ensuring the security and stability of modern computing systems. This article explores core OS protection mechanisms, including protection rings, CPU interrupts, and exceptions, all of which play crucial roles in safeguarding both the OS and user applications. Understanding Execution Domains and Protection Rings The primary goal

Shodan, often referred to as the “search engine for devices,” highlights critical cybersecurity concerns in a connected world. Unlike traditional search engines that index web pages, Shodan indexes internet-connected devices, ranging from industrial control systems to home IoT devices. In the Defcon 20 talk by Dan Tentler, titled “Drinking from the Caffeine Firehose We Know

The Reference Monitor and the Trusted Computing Base (TCB) are two fundamental concepts in operating system security. Together, they provide the foundation for enforcing access controls, protecting resources, and maintaining the integrity of computer systems. This article explores their roles, responsibilities, and importance in modern operating systems. What is the Reference Monitor? The Reference Monitor

Operating systems form the foundation of secure computing, offering mechanisms to manage resources and enforce security policies. This article provides an overview of three critical areas in operating system security: reference monitors, UNIX security, and Windows security, based on insights from Gollmann’s book chapters 6, 7, and 8. Reference Monitors: Enforcing Access Control The reference

Operating system (OS) security plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of computer systems. By managing hardware and software resources, the OS acts as a gatekeeper, protecting sensitive data and ensuring that all components operate efficiently. This article delves into the core objectives and requirements of OS security, exploring key components

Operating system security is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, focusing on safeguarding the core components that manage and coordinate computer hardware and software. In this article, we’ll explore the foundational concepts of operating system security, including its role as a service provider and resource manager, the mechanisms that ensure secure access control, and the tools

In the realm of cybersecurity and software development, distinguishing between bugs and vulnerabilities is crucial. While both represent flaws in a system, their implications are distinct. A bug generally refers to a defect or error in software that causes unintended or unexpected behavior. A vulnerability, on the other hand, is a weakness in a system