Assignment

SECURITY MODEL

Institution Affiliation

Student Name

Date

Abstract

The concept of trusted computing has been in existence for a very long time. It has had an influence on security systems and solutions. In this paper, I will explain the history of TCB. Ways to implement trusted base computing. I will also explain some of the barriers and how to bypass them.

Introduction

The trusted computing base contains hardware, firmware and software that are essential in establishing as well as maintaining security. Moreover, it also includes an operating system with all specific system hardware, in-built security control, software and network hardware, (Ranganathan, 2017). When designing a trusted computing base provision such as access control, giving privileges, user authentication support, authorization of particular processes or systems, backing up information and protection against viruses and malware. It is the responsibility of a trusted computing base to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of information. It monitors the input and output operations. 

History 

In December 1985, the United States Department of Defense put out the trusted computing system evaluating criteria that well-defined TCB. TCB can be understood when it performs as a centralized, trusted entity, (Scott-Nash, et al., 2016). The structures that get the uppermost level security accredited and certification have a centralized system design. The TCSEC accepted the view of peer trusted nodes describing them as members of the NTCB which protects the network system including the firmware, software and hardware. This combination is responsible for enforcing a security policy. 

How is the model implemented? 

TCB contains four security mechanisms, including authentication and identification, auditing, labelling and security policy. In order to understand how TCB is implemented and work. Let’s take the example of a bank—one of the most trusted icons in society today. When we make deposits, the money is recorded and safeguarded. It will be available when we want it back. We hardly consider the security mechanism in the back since we trust the banking system. All the mechanisms of TCB are in place. Before withdrawing money from the account, one is required to identify and authenticate themselves to the teller with the account number and signature. There is also discretionary access control that is who is authorized to withdraw money from the account. There are very few clerical problems since all the transactions that take place are audited. In development, the environment has to enforce the security model. Other concepts that are used when developing TCB include memory protection and handle, (Noorman, et al., 2019). This falls under the NIST requirement for assurance. When implementing TCB, it is essential to ensure that the application meets the basic requirements of NIST. 

Barriers 

The first barrier is that the design can be fundamentally flawed since they expose society to new threats of non-consumer behaviour. Manufacturers can secretly implement them incorrectly. Another barrier is third party uncertainty concerning the software environment. Even thou the hardware is implemented in accordance with the specification, it will be used in a way that will harm the computer owner, (Moon, et al., 2019). Although TCB provides security benefits, they may include features that can detriment and abuse the clients who have been requested to adopt the technology. Security design mainly involves specifying a threat model. Determine the kind of threat and the type of attacker the security model prevents against. A security measure that prevents one attack can be ineffective from another kind of attack. 

How to bypass barriers and other pertinent information? 

Attestation is appropriate for preventing the software on the computer from being changed without the knowledge or consent of the computer owner. These barriers can be bypassed through owner override. Lack of computer owner control of the verification content can be a major issue. Owner override fixes the issue by restoring another inability to determine the software that is running, (Jomaa, et al., 2018). Attestation only informs the parties whether the software on the computer has been altered. Attestation, as well as Owner override, can be used by the parties to determine whether the software in the computers has altered without their consent. One of the main advantages of using Attestation together with Owner override is that a company can enforce or implement policies against its own members or employees as long as they are using computers owned by the company. Owners of computer retain control over local software. 

Conclusion 

TCB contains four security mechanisms, including authentication and identification, auditing, labelling and security policy. The trusted computing base contains hardware, firmware and software that are essential in establishing as well as maintaining security. Some of the barriers include the design can be fundamentally flawed since they expose society to new threats of non-consumer behaviour. Manufacturers can secretly implement them incorrectly. Another barrier is third party uncertainty concerning the software environment. These barriers can be bypassed through owner override, (Hardjono & Smith, 2019). Lack of computer owner control of the verification content can be a major issue. Owner override fixes the issue by restoring another inability to determine the software that is running. Attestation only informs the parties whether the software on the computer has been altered. Attestation, as well as Owner override, can be used by the parties to determine whether the software in the computers has altered without their consent. One of the main advantages of using Attestation together with Owner override is that a company can enforce or implement policies against its own members or employees as long as they are using computers owned by the company.

Reference