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Questions and Answers
What is the initial step in securing a system during deployment?
What is the initial step in securing a system during deployment?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended basic step for operating system hardening?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended basic step for operating system hardening?
What is the key purpose of backup processes mentioned in operating system security?
What is the key purpose of backup processes mentioned in operating system security?
What does a hypervisor do in a virtualized operating system environment?
What does a hypervisor do in a virtualized operating system environment?
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Which of the following is a function performed by the kernel in an operating system?
Which of the following is a function performed by the kernel in an operating system?
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How can a rootkit maintain its presence on a compromised system?
How can a rootkit maintain its presence on a compromised system?
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What is one of the continuous processes involved in security maintenance?
What is one of the continuous processes involved in security maintenance?
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What is the major function of user authentication in an operating system?
What is the major function of user authentication in an operating system?
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Virtualization allows users to access resources within which of the following?
Virtualization allows users to access resources within which of the following?
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What is crucial in maintaining security for a virtualized environment?
What is crucial in maintaining security for a virtualized environment?
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What form does the security kernel take within an operating system?
What form does the security kernel take within an operating system?
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In the context of system security, what does 'hardening' refer to?
In the context of system security, what does 'hardening' refer to?
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Which component is essential for system recovery from security compromises?
Which component is essential for system recovery from security compromises?
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What should planning for a new system deployment primarily focus on?
What should planning for a new system deployment primarily focus on?
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What is the primary purpose of patch management in operating system security?
What is the primary purpose of patch management in operating system security?
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Where are most application and service configurations typically stored in a Linux/Unix system?
Where are most application and service configurations typically stored in a Linux/Unix system?
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What types of security permissions can be assigned to users in an operating system?
What types of security permissions can be assigned to users in an operating system?
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Which of the following best describes a ‘local exploit’?
Which of the following best describes a ‘local exploit’?
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In Windows security, what is the function of User Account Control (UAC)?
In Windows security, what is the function of User Account Control (UAC)?
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What is one of the essential components of Windows system security?
What is one of the essential components of Windows system security?
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What does BitLocker provide in Windows operating systems?
What does BitLocker provide in Windows operating systems?
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Which utility helps check compliance with Microsoft’s security recommendations?
Which utility helps check compliance with Microsoft’s security recommendations?
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What is the purpose of logging and log rotation in operating systems?
What is the purpose of logging and log rotation in operating systems?
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Which type of access control is implemented in many Windows systems?
Which type of access control is implemented in many Windows systems?
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What common issue arises with default log settings in operating systems?
What common issue arises with default log settings in operating systems?
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How can system security be improved, according to best practices?
How can system security be improved, according to best practices?
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What is the purpose of the Encrypting File System (EFS) in Windows?
What is the purpose of the Encrypting File System (EFS) in Windows?
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Study Notes
Operating System Functions
- Users interact with the Operating System (OS) through a User Interface, facilitating synchronization, concurrency control, and deadlock management.
- Key services provided by the OS include resource allocation, communication, accounting, and management of data such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
OS Layered Design
- OS is structured in layers, with user processes, utility functions, and security functions being integral components.
- Subprocesses like compilers and database managers operate above the OS, which manages scheduling, memory management, and other essential tasks.
Operating System Security
- A system may be compromised during installation before the latest patches can be applied, stressing the need for a planned deployment process.
- Essential security steps involve assessing risks, securing the OS and applications, protecting critical content, and implementing network protection mechanisms.
Security Planning and Personnel
- Identify appropriate personnel for system installation and management and ensure they receive adequate training.
- Security planning should include a comprehensive assessment of the organization's security posture to determine requirements for systems, applications, and user data.
Operating System Security Requirements
- Analyze the system's purpose, information stored, user categories, authentication methods, and access management.
- Determine system administration roles and required security measures, including host firewalls and anti-virus protections.
Operating System Hardening
- The base OS must be secured as a priority.
- Basic steps include installing and patching the OS, removing unnecessary services or protocols, configuring user permissions, and testing system security to ensure adequate addressal of identified security needs.
Security Maintenance
- Continuous security maintenance is vital, including monitoring logs, performing regular backups, recovering from breaches, and timely software updates.
- Regular testing of system security must be carried out to adapt to evolving threats.
Data Backup and Archive
- Regular data backups are essential for maintaining system integrity, while archival processes meet legal and operational obligations for data retention.
- Backup policies should be determined during system planning, considering trade-offs between implementation ease and security robustness.
Virtualization
- Virtualization allows OSs to present only the resources necessary for each user through Virtual Machines (VMs).
- A hypervisor manages VMs, translating access requests, while honeypots lure attackers into controlled environments for monitoring.
Kernelized Design
- The kernel performs fundamental OS functions, including synchronization and interprocess communication.
- A security kernel enforces security mechanisms across the OS, often embedded within the kernel itself.
Security Virtualization System
- Organizations utilizing virtualization must carefully plan their security protocols, securing all virtualization solution elements.
- Proper security of the hypervisor and restricted access for administrators are critical to maintaining system integrity.
Virtualization Infrastructure Security
- Access to VM images and snapshots must be tightly controlled to prevent unauthorized access.
- Systems regulate access to hardware resources, ensuring only appropriate guest entities can interact with them.
Rootkits
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A rootkit is malicious software that gains root-level access, integrating with the OS to avoid detection or re-establish itself post-removal.
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Rootkits can modify fundamental OS functions to maintain their presence and suppress detection efforts.### Linux/Unix Security
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Patch Management: Regularly updating security patches is essential for maintaining security integrity.
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Application Configuration: Configuration files for applications and services are primarily found in the
/etcdirectory or within the application's installation directory. -
User Configurations: Individual user configurations, which can override system defaults, are stored in hidden "dot" files within user home directories.
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System Hardening: Disabling unnecessary services and applications significantly enhances system security.
Users, Groups, and Permissions
- Access Control: Permissions for read, write, and execute are granted to the owner, group, and others, which dictates resource access.
- Critical Directories: It is recommended to modify access permissions for important directories and files to prevent unauthorized access.
- Local Exploits: Software vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges within the system.
- Remote Exploits: Vulnerabilities in network servers that can be activated by attackers from a remote location.
Remote Access Controls and Logging
- Firewall Programs: Multiple host firewall programs can be used to restrict access to the system.
- Administrative Utilities: Most systems provide tools to select which services are permitted access, enhancing security.
- Logging Practices: Do not trust default logging settings; they should be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
Windows Security: Users, Administration, and Access Controls
- Patch Management: Use "Windows Update" and "Windows Server Update Service" for maintaining up-to-date security compliance.
- Access Controls: Systems implement discretionary access controls, with Vista and later versions introducing mandatory integrity controls.
- Integrity Levels: Objects are labeled with integrity levels (low, medium, high, system) to manage user privileges effectively.
User Account Control and Privileges
- User Account Control (UAC): Introduced in Windows Vista, UAC ensures users utilize administrative rights only when necessary, operating as a normal user otherwise.
- Privilege Definitions: Privileges are defined at a system-wide level and assigned to user accounts for enhanced security.
- Share and NTFS Permissions: The combination of share and NTFS permissions improves security and granularity for shared resource access.
Application and Service Configuration
- Registry Usage: Configuration data is centralized in the Windows Registry, enabling applications to query and interpret settings effectively.
- Registry Editor: Direct modifications can be made using “Registry Editor,” useful for bulk changes to configurations.
Other Security Controls
- Malware Protection: Installing anti-virus, anti-spyware, and personal firewall software is crucial for effective security management.
- Basic Protection: Current Windows versions come equipped with built-in firewalls and malware countermeasures.
- Cryptographic Functions: Supports file and directory encryption through the Encrypting File System (EFS) and full-disk encryption using BitLocker.
Security Compliance Assessment
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer: A free tool used to verify compliance with Microsoft's security recommendations, facilitating proactive security management.
Operating System Evolution and Resource Protection
- OS Development: Operating systems have transitioned from single-user, single-program support to accommodating multiple users and programs concurrently.
- Resource Protection: OS protect memory, I/O devices, programs, and network access through layered and modular designs.
- Access Control Mechanisms: Enforcement of resource access can be achieved through virtualization, segmentation, and reference monitors.
- Rootkits: Malicious software that gains root status, effectively becoming integrated into the operating system, posing significant security threats.
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