Operating System Security: November 2024
Operating System Security: November 2024
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Abstract— The (OS) operating systems secure every single if they somehow reach that data. While each of these layers
computer by controlling access to the resource. As cyber of security is designed for a specific purpose, they
threats are constantly on the rise, it is becoming increasingly collectively act as lines of defense against data and system
important to implement robust security features in operating security threats.
systems. In this paper we explore significant security
mechanisms: access control, authentication and encryption — We explore these OS securityimechanisms in this paper, and
reviewing their roles, approaches and challenges. This really their importance. In Section II, access control is presented
stresses the need for these approaches to stop unauthorised including models and methods for access limitation. The
access, maintain privacy and to ensure integrity of the system. third section revisits authentication methods, including multi-
factor and biometric, highlighting their essential role in
Keywords—Operating system security, access control, reinforcing security. Last section OR Section IV describes
authentication, encryption, malware protection, firewall about encryption; how it helps to keep the data secured.
Finally, Section V discusses state of the art problems and
INTRODUCTION future horizons in OS security, focusing on developments in
artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum-safe encryption that
may influence the next limits of OS security
The Operating System (O.S) is the needed software, implementations.
which serves as a mediator between hardware and
applications, oversees resources, and offers essential
functionalities to users. The main role of it is to provide an ACKNOWLEDGMENT
interface between the hardware and the software so that both We wish to thank Lovely Professional University for their
users and applications can interact with the hardware support and guidance during the research and development
seamlessly and securely while isolating high sensitive data. of this study.Specialithanks to Assistant Professor
Operating system security is more prevalent today than ever, Gagandeep Kaur for her invaluable advice and mentorship
partlyidue to the proliferation of connected devices and throughout this project.
mobile technology ability, both of which are fueled by cloud
computing. OS security todayidepends on a combination of
mechanisms and protocols that work together to prevent
unauthorized access, protectisensitive data from theft or ACCESS CONTROL
destruction, and block malicious attacks that could Access control is a fundamental OS security mechanism that
compromiseithe confidentiality, integrity, and availabilityiof limits users' access to specific resources based on predefined
the system. . policies [1]. By controlling which users or processes can
access certain data and resources, it helps minimize
As cyberattacks become more diverse and sophisticated, potential security risks and unauthorized actions [2].
operating systems have adapted to meet the challenge. Initial
versions concentrated on fundamental functions such as A. Types of Access Control
resource management and user permission control. However,
nowadays there is a better answer to fear of vulnerabilities DISCRETIONARY ACCESS CONTROL (DAC):
and zero days, OSs now come with many cool security
features that can mitigate the risk. This includes insider In DAC, users can control access to resources they own by
threats where authorized users can abuse it, and external granting or denying permissions. Although flexible, DAC
threats like Malicious software, Ransomware, and DDoS may lead to security risks, as users might unintentionally
attacks. The operating system has some security mechanism share sensitive information [3] [4].
to protect the system and data from these threats.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC): Unlike DAC, MAC
Operating Systems employ a number of fundamental enforces access policies based on a central authority that
mechanisms to satisfy these security requirements — access labels resources and users with security levels. Only users
control, authentication and encryption are three such
with suitable security clearances can access designated
mechanisms. Access control governs user interactions with
individual resources, whereas authentication authenticates resources, making it more secure for highly sensitive
users to ensure only authorized parties have access. When environments [5] [6].
protected data is stored and/or transmitted, encryption
prevents unauthorized persons from accessing that data, even
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC simplifies patterns, toiverify identity. Biometric systems are
access management by assigning permissions based on user often viewed as more secure than traditional
roles within the organization. This model reduces methods because theyiare difficult to replicate.
administrative overhead and helps prevent users from However, concerns regarding privacy and data
having excessive privileges [7] [8]. security remain critical. .
Reference: [14]
B. Challenges in Access Control
4. Token-Based Authentication: .
Implementing access control can be complex, particularly This approach involves the use of physical devices
in dynamic environments where users frequently change or software tokens that generate one-time
roles or need temporary access [9]. Managing these frequent passwords (OTPs)ior cryptographic keys. These
updates and policy conflicts can lead to unintentional tokens can be hardware devices,isuch as smart
vulnerabilities and privilege escalation issues [10]. cards, or software-based, such as mobile
Additionally, the risk of misconfiguration poses a serious
applications. Token-based authentication increases
security threat, as even minor errors in access policies can
security by providing an additional layeriof
expose sensitive data or grant unnecessary privileges [11].
verification.
Reference: [15].
B. Importance of Authentication
II. AUTHENTICATION Authentication is critical for several reasons:
Authenticationiis aicrucial security mechanism inioperating Preventing Unauthorized Access: It helps ensure
systems that verifies theiidentity of users or devices before that onlyiauthorized users can access sensitive data
granting access to resources. This process ensures that only and resources.
authorized individuals can interact with the system, thus Maintaining Data Integrity: By verifying
protecting sensitive data and maintaining system integrity. identities, authentication protects against data
manipulation andicorruption.
Compliance and Regulation: Manyiindustriesiare
A. Types of Authentication Methods required to implement strict authentication
1. Password-Based Authentication: . measures to comply withilegal and regulatory
Passwords are the most common form of standards.
authentication. Usersiare required to enter a secret
passwordito access their accounts. However, this III. Encryption
method can be vulnerable to attacks such as brute Encryption is a critical mechanism that protects data
force or phishing. Therefore,iit is essential to confidentiality by converting informationiinto a secure
enforce strong password policies, including format. It isiessential forisafeguarding data in storage and
complexity requirements and regular password during transmission.
changes.
A. Types of Encryption
Reference: [12]
1. Symmetric Encryption: In symmetric encryption,
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): . the same key is used for both encryption and
MFA enhancesisecurity by requiring two or more decryption. While it is efficient, it presents
verification factors. These can include something challenges in key distribution, as both the sender
the user knows (a password), something the user and receiver must have access to the same key.
has (a smartphone for OTP), or something the user Common algorithms include:
is (biometric datailike fingerprints). This layered
approachisignificantly reduces the risk of o AES (Advanced Encryption Standard):
unauthorized access. . AES is a widely adopted symmetric
Reference: [13] encryption algorithm that operates on
fixed block sizes and supports key sizes of
128, 192, and 256 bits. It is known for its
3. Biometric Authentication: . speed and security [16].
This method uses uniqueibiological characteristics,
such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris
Data Integrity and Authenticity: Ensuring that the
data has not beenialtered during transmission or
storage, while also verifying the identity of the
sender orireceiver, iposes additional challenges.
B. Firewall Configuration
Proper configuration of firewalls is crucial for effective
protection. Administrators should establish clear security
policies that define which types of traffic are allowed or
denied. Some key considerations include:
1. Rule Set Definition: Administrators should create
a comprehensive rule set that reflects the
organization’s security needs. This includes
specifying allowed IP addresses, protocols, and
ports while denying any unnecessary or potentially
harmful traffic [40].
2. Regular Updates: Firewalls should be regularly
updated to address new vulnerabilities and adapt to
changing security requirements. This includes
applying firmware updates and revising rule sets
based on emerging threats [41].
3. Monitoring and Logging: Continuous monitoring
of firewall activity and logging events is essential
for detecting and responding to security incidents. OUTCOME
Analysing logs can help identify suspicious This study demonstrates that diverse security mechanisms,
activities and potential breaches [42]. from access control models like Role-Based Access Control
4. Testing and Auditing: Regular testing and (RBAC) to authentication techniques such as multi-factor
auditing of firewall configurations can help ensure and biometric verification, significantly enhance OS
that security measures are effective. This includes security. The analysis reveals that while access control
conducting penetration testing to identify potential minimizes unauthorized actions, authentication adds an
weaknesses and verifying that rules are being essential layer of user identity verification. Encryption
enforced as intended [43]. methods, notably AES and RSA, provide robust data
protection. Additionally, malware protection strategies,
including firewalls and regular software updates, prove vital
C. Challenges in Firewall Security in mitigating threats like ransomware and spyware. These
Despite their importance, firewalls face several challenges results underscore the multifaceted approach required to
that can impact their effectiveness: maintain effective OS security in the face of evolving cyber
1. Configuration Errors: Misconfigured firewalls threats.
can create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
It is crucial to regularly review and audit firewall
configurations to ensure they align with security CONCLUSION
policies [44]. In conclusion, securing operating systems has become
2. Evasion Techniques: Attackers may use essential in today’s digital age, where cyber threats are
techniques such as packet fragmentation, increasingly sophisticated. This paper examined critical
tunnelling, and encrypted traffic to bypass firewall security mechanisms including access control,
protections. Firewalls must be capable of authentication, and encryption. Each mechanism plays a
recognizing and handling such evasion methods unique role in preventing unauthorized access, ensuring data
[45]. confidentiality, and maintaining system integrity. Despite
3. Resource Limitations: High network traffic advancements, challenges remain in adapting to dynamic
volumes can strain firewall resources, potentially environments and addressing insider threats, malware, and
the need for efficient key management. Continued research
leading to performance degradation. Organizations
and technological improvements are essential for OS security
must ensure that their firewalls are adequately
to evolve in response to emerging cyber threats.
resourced to handle peak loads [46].
4. Insider Threats: Firewalls are primarily designed
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