System Security in Operating System
System security is a process of ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the Operating System. The system security can be threatened by the following two violations:
- Threat: It is a program that can cause serious damage to the system.
- Attack: This is an attempt to break the security and make unauthorized access.
System security can also be threatened by the following breaches:
- Breach of confidentiality: It is the unauthorized reading of data.
- Breach of availability: It is the unauthorized destruction of data.
- Breach of integrity: It is the unauthorized modification of data.
- Denial of service: It is preventing the user from legitimate use of the system.
- Theft of service: It is the unauthorized use of resources.
Aims of security system:
According to the breaches, the following goals for the security system is observed:
- Integrity: The objects must not be accessed and modified by any unauthorized user.
- Secrecy: Not every user should be able to view the files of the system.
- Availability: Only authorized users can avail the resources of the system.
Classification of threats:
Program threats: A program to hijack the security of the system.
System threats: It involves the abuse of the system, it aims to create a situation where the resources of the system are being misused.
Security measures: The security measures taken to protect the system are as follows:
- Physical: The workstations can be physically protected against malicious intruders.
- Human: Phishing and Dumpster diving can be avoided by giving only appropriate users authorized to access.
- Networking System: Networks should be secured against attacks aiming to break into the computer.
- Operating System: The OS should be able to protect itself against security breaches.
The use of anti-malware programs can periodically detect and remove viruses, and a Firewall can be used as a protection against network threats too.
System Security in Operating System