operating-systems security

Definition

Intrusion Detection

Intrusion detection is the monitoring of system events to identify and respond to malicious activities or security policy violations.

Techniques

Threshold Detection

Identifying events that exceed a defined frequency (e.g., too many failed login attempts).

Profile-based Detection

Comparing current user activity against a “typical” behavioural profile.

Anomaly Detection

Using rules to detect deviations from expected system behaviour.

Audit Records

Audit Log Structure

The OS maintains audit records containing:

FieldDescription
SubjectWho performed the action
ActionWhat was done
ObjectWhich resource was accessed
Exception ConditionsWhether the action succeeded or failed
Resource UsageCPU time, memory used
TimestampWhen the event occurred

Reference Monitor

Reference Monitor

A kernel component mediating all access to objects. It maintains an access rights database and logs events for the security audit.