Recommended Readings for Deepening Understanding of System Startup

Introduction

The system startup process is a foundational topic in hardware security, and understanding it thoroughly requires a deep dive into supplemental materials. Below are recommended texts and publications for further exploration of system startup concepts, including BIOS, UEFI, rootkits, and trusted platform dynamics.

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1. NIST SP Publications

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publications (SP) series provides authoritative guidelines and standards on cybersecurity, including hardware and system startup security.

• Focus:
  • BIOS/UEFI protection guidelines.
  • Secure boot processes and firmware integrity.
  • Trusted platform and cryptographic standards.
• Notable Publication:
  • “NIST SP 800-147: BIOS Protection Guidelines” – A comprehensive guide for securing the BIOS against unauthorized modifications.
• Access:
  Visit the NIST website to explore SP publications: NIST Special Publications.

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2. Levy, H.M. – Capability-Based Computer Systems (1984)

This book provides a foundational look into capability-based systems, focusing on how system resources are accessed securely. It delves into system architectures that enforce strict access controls at the hardware and OS level.

• Relevance to System Startup:
  • Explains how capability-based systems enforce security policies during initialization and runtime.
  • Offers historical insights into the evolution of hardware-based security.
• Ideal For:
  Those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of hardware security and its practical applications.

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3. Matrosov, A. and Rodionov, E. – UEFI Firmware Rootkits: Myths and Reality (Black Hat Asia, 2017)

This technical paper explores the vulnerabilities and security challenges associated with UEFI firmware, with a particular focus on rootkits.

• Key Topics:
  • How UEFI rootkits work and evade detection.
  • Real-world examples and case studies of UEFI-based attacks.
  • Countermeasures and mitigation techniques.
• Why It’s Valuable:
  Provides an in-depth analysis of modern firmware threats and their impact on the system startup process.
• Access:
  Look for this presentation in the Black Hat archives: Black Hat Asia.

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4. Grawrock, D. – Dynamics of a Trusted Platform (2009)

David Grawrock’s book discusses the development and implementation of trusted platform technologies, focusing on their role in creating secure computing environments.

• Core Topics:
  • Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs).
  • The role of hardware trust in system startup and runtime security.
  • Integration of trust into hardware, firmware, and OS layers.
• Who Should Read This:
  Professionals and researchers interested in trusted computing and its applications in securing system startup.
• Publisher: Intel Press.

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Conclusion

These supplemental readings provide valuable perspectives on the technical, theoretical, and practical aspects of system startup and hardware security. By exploring these resources, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions associated with secure system initialization.