Operating System Security
May 1, 2024
Updated June 15, 2025
21 minute read
An In-Depth Guide to Operating System Security
Operating System (OS) Security is a crucial branch of cybersecurity focused on safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an operating system. At its core, OS security involves implementing measures to protect the OS from threats, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access, ensuring that the system operates as intended and that the data it manages remains secure. Think of the operating system as the foundational software that manages all hardware and software resources on a computer; its security is paramount to the overall security of any computing device, from personal laptops and smartphones to massive enterprise servers and critical infrastructure control systems.
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Reading list
We've selected 30 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Operating System Security.
Specifically focuses on operating system security, examining historical research and contemporary challenges in building secure operating systems. It delves into topics like authorization systems, security kernels, and system vulnerabilities. It is used as a required textbook in some university courses.
Offers a broad and balanced overview of computer security principles and practices, including a dedicated chapter on operating system security. It's a valuable resource for gaining a wide understanding of the field and is often used as a textbook. The latest editions incorporate current developments and topics.
Delves into the techniques used to analyze malicious software, which often targets operating systems. It's highly practical and provides hands-on experience, making it valuable for understanding contemporary threats and how they interact with operating system defenses.
Explores the concept of zero trust security, a contemporary approach that has significant implications for operating system security in modern, distributed environments. It provides a detailed explanation of the zero trust model and its implementation.
Provides a detailed exploration of operating system internals and design principles, with a focus on security. It delves into topics such as process management, memory management, and file systems from a security perspective. It's a valuable resource for deepening understanding.
Builds upon the foundational concepts of cryptography and focuses on the engineering aspects of building secure cryptographic systems. It is highly relevant for understanding how cryptography is applied within operating systems to ensure security.
While not strictly about operating system security, this book classic and foundational text on cryptography, which critical component of secure operating systems. Understanding cryptographic principles is essential for comprehending how operating systems secure data and communication.
Widely recognized and comprehensive textbook for understanding the fundamental concepts of operating systems. While not solely focused on security, it provides essential prerequisite knowledge for understanding how operating systems function, which is crucial for grasping OS security principles. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
A highly respected classic in the field, covering a range of topics relevant to OS security, such as threat modeling, authentication, and security protocols.
The second part of the Windows Internals series continues the deep dive into the architecture and internals of Windows. This volume covers additional critical components relevant to security, offering further depth for those specializing in Windows security.
Introduces broader concepts of cryptography and allied areas, including blockchain and lightweight cryptography. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers looking into contemporary cryptographic applications relevant to secure systems.
Provides a historical and accessible introduction to the world of cryptography. While not a technical deep dive, it helps build a foundational appreciation for the importance of secrecy and the evolution of codes and ciphers that underpin modern OS security.
Covers the fundamentals of computer security, including operating system security concepts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/1vpf3o/operating
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