Operating System Security

The physical security of the system is crucial since any type of threat or virus can enter through the Internet and also from the physical terminal. Ensuring that the web access is secure is important but breaking into the system is much easier if the attacker gets physical access to the server.

The operating system consists of three components in it security environment

1. Services layer

2. Files layer

3. Memory layer

The functions and possible threats posed to these layers are as follows:

• Services: This is the main component of operating system security environment. It is used to gain access to the operating system and its features which include:

 User authentication

 Remote access

 Administration tasks

 Password policies

• Files:

It can also harm data integrity. There are two options to help prevent this: stop using the program and apply a patch (service pack) to fix it.

• Authentication: It verifies user identity and permits access to the operating system. Physical authentication allows physical entrance to company property through magnetic cards and biometric measures. Digital authentication verifies user identity by digital means

• User Administration: It creates user accounts and sets it password policies. It also grants privileges to the users.

Protection of layers:

In the operating system, each layer needs to be properly secured and the phases through which it is done are: planning, installation, configuration, update, maintenance and backup.

• Planning: The default operating system configurations are for ease of use so measures have to be done at all stages which includes installing and patching along with configuration. Additional software’s such as antivirus, firewall, intrusion detection system need to be installed.

• Installation: Install only required services and drivers and set up automatic updates. Under installation also comes patching and

This can be done by encrypting the sensitive data with a strong password and a highly secure Encryption method.

• Antivirus security: It has a vital role in operating system security and it is not preloaded in any system although windows defender provides a basic protection from well known threat. A good antivirus helps secure the system against viruses like Trojans, worms, spywares etc

• Firewall: This is a security wall between the network and the operating system. Every connection to outside or inside the operating system requires permission from firewall

The security of Operating System depends on us because the more precautions we take the more secure our Operating System will be. Currently, Windows is the most used Operating System among a computer which is why it has become a priority of attackers to attack windows users. However, Linux and other UNIX-based systems are the most secure operating systems because they have very less number of viruses and malwares as compared to