How can you design an operating system that resists insider threats?

Insider threats involve individuals who have authorized access to the system, which makes them particularly difficult to prevent and detect. However, several strategies and principles can be applied to enhance the security of an operating system: User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA): Implement monitoring systems that track user and system behavior, detecting anomalies that might indicate insider threats. ML and AI can be useful in this context. Multi-Factor Authentication: Require MFA for access to critical systems. Logging and Auditing: Maintain comprehensive logs of system activities. Regularly review and analyze these logs to detect suspicious activities. Implement log integrity and secure storage to prevent tampering.

Designing an operating system to resist insider threats based on the principle of least privilege involves meticulously managing user permissions. By strictly granting USERS and user mode processes only the minimum access required to perform their tasks, you significantly reduce the potential for abuse or unauthorized actions. Implement strict role-based access controls, regularly review and refine access permissions, and continuously monitor user activities to ensure adherence to this fundamental security principle. This approach ensures that even if an insider becomes a threat, their ability to compromise system integrity and sensitive data is greatly limited, enhancing the overall security of the operating system.

Over time, users may accumulate excessive privileges due to role changes, promotions, or project assignments. Regularly reviewing and revoking unnecessary permissions ensures that the principle of least privilege is consistently applied.

In case of designing an OS from scratch, it will require research, funding and the main building block of the OS keeps the core components very secure and impossible to tamper with. However, you start with an OS that has security built-in as the main feature, like Linux Parrot or Kali Linux, then limit the super users or admins on that OS with a very strong Password, and the admins make it a habit to change it regularly. Users has very limited privileges according to their use on the system. Monitor the logs regularly I still remember my Professor in class saying it's a never ending competition, between System Security and Intrusion.

The standard three factors of authentication (3FA), what you know, what you have, and what you are, require users to interact with authenticating mechanism through awkward gestures (iris scan) and hard-to-remember passwords, complex behaviors (symbolic drawing) that distract and impede functional and operational efficiencies in accessing assets. Digitally Unclonable Function (DUF) protocol is a system that relies on the possession factor of the “unclonable” “unique” hardware as a means of verifying the authenticity and integrity of message (i.e., identity, commands).

It is very important to highlight that there are two types of Duties: Authorization Duties: These involve granting or denying access to systems or resources. For example, an IT manager might grant access to a particular database. Execution Duties: These are the actions taken with the granted access, such as modifying data in the database. The person responsible for execution should not also have authorization rights. In addition, there are 2 types of Separation of Duties: * Static Separation: In this form, duties are separated by design, and individuals are given specific roles and access based on their job descriptions. * Dynamic Separation: This approach enforces separation of duties based on changing circumstances or conditions.

The Principle of defense in depth is a fundamental concept in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for multiple layers of security measures to protect against a wide range of threats. By implementing diverse security controls, access restrictions, employee training, and physical security, organizations create a layered defense strategy that deters, detects, delays, and responds to potential security breaches. This approach recognizes that no single security measure is foolproof and aims to minimize the risk of successful attacks while maintaining operational resilience. It requires continuous monitoring, incident response planning, and adaptation to evolving threats to ensure the security of critical assets.

In the quest for a secure OS resilient to insider threats, the principle of defense in depth takes center stage. This cybersecurity cornerstone advocates for multiple layers of security measures, including encryption, firewalls, antivirus, intrusion detection, and modular design. These layers prevent, detect, and correct security breaches while reducing damage potential. Recognizing the insufficiency of single security measures, this strategy aims to minimize insider threat risks while maintaining operational resilience. Key elements include continuous monitoring, incident response, human factor considerations, and adapting to evolving threats.

By dividing networks and services, the extent of damage from a potential breach can be contained. If a malevolent actor or insider penetrates one section, it doesn't guarantee access to the entire network. An often-overlooked defensive strategy is the use of honeypots. A honeypot is a decoy computer system designed to lure, detect, and study cyber attackers, diverting them from genuine assets and analyzing their techniques and intentions.

Security by Design is a concept where security is integrated from the very beginning of any project or system development. It means building security into the foundation of every design and process, rather than adding it as an afterthought. This approach ensures that security is a fundamental consideration at all stages, reducing vulnerabilities and the need for patching later on. It's like building a house with strong locks and alarms from the start, rather than adding them when you realize there's a risk of break-ins.

The Principle of openness and transparency in information systems emphasizes making processes, policies, and data accessible and understandable to authorized users. It promotes trustworthiness, accountability, and trust by allowing stakeholders to know how systems work, how data is used, and what security measures are in place.

Least Common Mechanism principle. This principle suggests that shared resources and mechanisms should be minimized. It's essential in OS design to ensure that users and processes don't share common mechanisms unnecessarily, as this can potentially create security vulnerabilities.

For each principle, the common thread is continuous evaluation and adaptation. Security isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process.