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B’More Secure �GenCyber Train the Trainer�Camp 2024

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Operating System Fundamentals

By

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Willie Sanders, Jr. (D.Sc.)

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OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

  • Operating System (OS): is a software package that enables a information system to function by performing tasks such as recognizing input, sending output, and controlling peripherals.​
    • Enables hardware, software, and users to communicate.​
    • Consists of core files (kernel), device drivers, and programs.​
    • Provides Command-line Interface (CLI) and\or Graphical User Interface (GUI).​
    • Manages the Boot Process

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OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

  • Major Client OSs : Windows, MacOS, Linux (ex. Ubuntu)
  • Major Mobile OSs : Android, iOS
  • Major Server OSs : Windows Server, Unix (ex. BSD), Linux (ex. RHEL)

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OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

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Knowledge Check

  1. What operating system types have you interacted with?

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Knowledge Check

  • What operating system types have you interacted with?
  • How can you tell the difference between operating systems?

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Knowledge Check

  • What operating system types have you interacted with?
  • How can you tell the difference between operating systems?
  • Are some operating systems easier for you to use than others? If so, why?

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Knowledge Check

  • What operating system types have you interacted with?
  • How can you tell the difference between operating systems?
  • Are some operating systems easier for you to use than others? If so, why?
  • What operating systems do your students use during school time?

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OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

  • Basic Input\Output System (BIOS): a special ROM chip on the motherboard that contains a small program that controls the communication between the operating system and the hardware.​
    • The motherboard manufacturer saves the motherboard BIOS settings in a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) memory chip.​
    • When a information systems boots, the BIOS software reads the configured settings stored in CMOS to determine how to configure the hardware.​

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OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

  • Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI): a replacement to the legacy BIOS program. All new computers come with UEFI, which provides additional features and addresses security issues with legacy BIOS.​
    • UEFI can run on 32-bit and 64-bit systems
    • supports larger boot drives

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OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

  • Some common security features found in the BIOS/UEFI systems includes:​
    • Passwords: Passwords allow for different levels of access to the BIOS settings. ​
    • Drive encryption: A hard drive can be encrypted to prevent data theft. ​
    • LoJack: This is a security feature that allows the owner to locate, lock, and delete the device.​
    • Trusted Platform Module (TPM): This is a chip designed to secure hardware by storing encryption keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. ​
    • Secure boot: Secure Boot is a UEFI security standard that ensures that a computer only boots an OS that is trusted by the motherboard manufacturer. ​

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ACCESS CONTROL & ROOTLY POWERS

  • Access Control: the authentication and authorization of individuals to access systems and data that they are allowed to see.
  • Commonly Implemented through the use user identification and AAA services.
    • Identification: claim of identity
    • Authentication: proof of identity
    • Authorization: system access based on identity
    • Accounting (Auditing): monitoring of access based on identity

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Group Activity

  • In small group, work together to create a short skit that illustrates the access control concepts we just discussed…but in a non-technical way.

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  • Be prepared to act out your scenario for the class!

Access Control Concepts to Include

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  1. Identification – Claim of identity
  2. Authentication – Proof of identity
  3. Authorization – System access based on identity
  4. Accounting (Auditing) – Monitoring of access based on identity