csci5233 computer security & integrity 1 An Overview of Computer Security

csci5233 computer security & integrity 2 Outline Components of computer security Threats Policies and mechanisms The role of trust Assurance Operational Issues Human Issues

csci5233 computer security & integrity 3 Status of security in computing In terms of security, computing is very close to the wild west days. Some computing professionals & managers do not even recognize the value of the resources they use or control. In the event of a computing crime, some companies do not investigate or prosecute.

csci5233 computer security & integrity 4 Characteristics of Computer Intrusion A computing system: a collection of hardware, software, data, and people that an organization uses to do computing tasks Any piece of the computing system can become the target of a computing crime. The weakest point is the most serious vulnerability. The principles of easiest penetration

csci5233 computer security & integrity 5 Security Breaches - Terminology Exposure –a form of possible loss or harm Vulnerability –a weakness in the system Attack Threats –Human attacks, natural disasters, errors Control – a protective measure Assets – h/w, s/w, data

csci5233 computer security & integrity 6 Types of Security Breaches Disclosure: unauthorized access to info –Snooping Deception: acceptance of false data –Modification, spoofing, repudiation of origin, denial of receipt Disruption: prevention of correct operation –Modification, man-in-the-middle attack Usurpation: unauthorized control of some part of the system ( usurp: take by force or without right ) –Modification, spoofing, delay, denial of service

csci5233 computer security & integrity 7 Security Components Confidentiality: The assets are accessible only by authorized parties. –Keeping data and resources hidden Integrity: The assets are modified only by authorized parties, and only in authorized ways. –Data integrity (integrity) –Origin integrity (authentication) Availability: Assets are accessible to authorized parties. –Enabling access to data and resources

csci5233 computer security & integrity 8 Computing System Vulnerabilities Hardware vulnerabilities Software vulnerabilities Data vulnerabilities Human vulnerabilities ?

csci5233 computer security & integrity 9 Software Vulnerabilities Destroyed (deleted) software Stolen (pirated) software Altered (but still run) software –Logic bomb –Trojan horse –Virus –Trapdoor –Information leaks

csci5233 computer security & integrity 10 Data Security The principle of adequate protection Storage of encryption keys Software versus hardware methods

csci5233 computer security & integrity 11 Other Exposed Assets Storage media Networks Access Key people

csci5233 computer security & integrity 12 People Involved in Computer Crimes Amateurs Crackers Career Criminals

csci5233 computer security & integrity 13 Methods of Defense Encryption Software controls Hardware controls Policies Physical controls

csci5233 computer security & integrity 14 Encryption at the heart of all security methods Confidentiality of data Some protocols rely on encryption to ensure availability of resources. Encryption does not solve all computer security problems.

csci5233 computer security & integrity 15 Software controls Internal program controls OS controls Development controls Software controls are usually the 1 st aspects of computer security that come to mind.

csci5233 computer security & integrity 16 Policies and Mechanisms Policy says what is, and is not, allowed –This defines “security” for the site/system/etc. Mechanisms enforce policies Mechanisms can be simple but effective –Example: frequent changes of passwords Composition of policies –If policies conflict, discrepancies may create security vulnerabilities Legal and ethical controls –Gradually evolving and maturing

csci5233 computer security & integrity 17 Principle of Effectiveness Controls must be used to be effective. –Efficient Time, memory space, human activity, … –Easy to use –appropriate

csci5233 computer security & integrity 18 Overlapping Controls Several different controls may apply to one potential exposure. H/w control + S/w control + Data control

csci5233 computer security & integrity 19 Goals of Security Prevention –Prevent attackers from violating security policy Detection –Detect attackers’ violation of security policy Recovery –Stop attack, assess and repair damage –Continue to function correctly even if attack succeeds

csci5233 computer security & integrity 20 Trust and Assumptions Underlie all aspects of security Policies –Unambiguously partition system states –Correctly capture security requirements Mechanisms –Assumed to enforce policy –Support mechanisms work correctly

csci5233 computer security & integrity 21 Types of Mechanisms secure precise broad set of reachable statesset of secure states

csci5233 computer security & integrity 22 Assurance Specification –Requirements analysis –Statement of desired functionality Design –How system will meet specification Implementation –Programs/systems that carry out design

csci5233 computer security & integrity 23 Operational Issues Cost-Benefit Analysis –Is it cheaper to prevent or to recover? Risk Analysis –Should we protect something? –How much should we protect this thing? Laws and Customs –Are desired security measures illegal? –Will people do them?

csci5233 computer security & integrity 24 Human Issues Organizational Problems –Power and responsibility –Financial benefits People problems –Outsiders and insiders –Social engineering

csci5233 computer security & integrity 25 Tying Together Threats Policy Specification Design Implementation Operation

csci5233 computer security & integrity 26 Key Points Policy defines security, and mechanisms enforce security –Confidentiality –Integrity –Availability Trust and knowing assumptions Importance of assurance The human factor