Security

LynxSecure Separation Kernel—a High-assurance Security RTOS

An emerging design paradigm for safety- and security-critical systems, Multiple Independent Levels of Security/Safety (MILS), is based on a high-assurance separation kernel and middleware currently under development by COTS vendors.

Separation Kernel for a Secure Real-time Operating System

The technical foundation adopted for the so-called MILS architecture is a separation kernel like LynxSecure, which permits multiple functions to be realised on a common set of physical resources without unwanted mutual interference. (Boards and Solutions Magazine, February 2008)

Protecting our most Vital Systems

Some significant defence programmes are already committed to a new approach to high-threat, high-asset-value systems. Rance DeLong explains MILS. (Components in Electronics, April 2007)

Perspectives: Security and the Separation Kernel

Today's avionics systems are designed to support more than one application, using a partitioned operating system and memory management units to ensure applications have adequate separation. (Avionics Magazine, April 2007)

MILS: An Architecture for Security, Safety, and Real Time

The unrelenting growth and integration of embedded controls, information processing, and communications has created a need for systems that provide robust protection for resources and services in the face of serious threats. (Air Force Research Laboratory Technology Horizons, November 2006)

Partitioning Operating Systems Versus Process-based Operating Systems

Partitioning operating systems are the latest buzz, while processes, by contrast, have been around for over 30 years. Both provide memory protection, however, the intent behind them is very different.

DO-178B and the Common Criteria: Future Security Levels

Although there are similarities between the airborne safety-critical requirements in RTCA/DO-178B and the Common Criteria, ISO 14508, compliance with the higher levels of security in the Common Criteria demands meeting additional security requirements. (COTS Journal, April 2006)

Reusing Safety-Critical Software Components

Safety-critical systems often operate together as a single "system-of-systems," making it important that they meet the most stringent and rigorous requirements for safety-criticality. The failure of one module in a system could create other failures or vulnerabilities, or worse yet, failure of the system as a whole. (COTS Journal, August 2005)

Real-Time Secure Operating System

An overview of: a) the need for a secure operating system and b) the high-level design of a secure operating system that can be built and evaluated to the highest assurance levels.

Safety-Critical Software (DO-178B)

Failure of some software systems could cause catastrophic consequences for human life. The LynxOS-178 RTOS was designed to be certifiable to the DO-178B specification and to facilitate production of the highest-quality safety-critical software.

Using the Microprocessor MMU for Software Protection in Real-Time Systems

With minimal impact to overall system performance, user tasks and the kernel can be protected from accidental corruption by using multiple protected address spaces.

Improving code Migration and Reuse

The unrelenting growth and integration of embedded controls, information processing, and communications has created a need for systems that provide robust protection for resources and services in the face of serious threats. (Embedded Computing Design, August 2006)

LynuxWorks: A case Study in Combat-ready Linux

As open source, especially Linux, makes its way into nearly every sector of the economy, one of the final frontiers is the military and aerospace market, where new applications must clear hurdles such as the FAA's rigorous DO-178B certification for aviation software. (Newsforge, December 2005)

FCS Program Rolls Forward in Formation

A wireless data network, with advanced communications and technologies, links soldiers with 18 new, lightweight manned and unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned aircraft, sensors and weapons—and it’s all in one program. (COTS Journal, June 2005)

Homeland Security and Embedded Software

The proliferation of Internet connected embedded devices has created opportunities for malicious users to exploit security weaknesses in embedded software to gain access to sensitive systems. As a result, developing highly secure embedded systems is imperative to ensure the safety of our country’s critical infrastructures. (Embedded Computing Design, October 2004)

Secure Operating Systems for Deeply Embedded Devices

As we add more intelligence to our embedded devices, we find that they are becoming increasingly integrated into our information technology infrastructure. Though system security is not a new concept, security-in-depth is a new paradigm developers are now starting to address. (RTC Magazine, September 2004)

Embedded Tools Train an eye on Security

A wireless data network, with advanced communications and technologies, links soldiers with 18 new, lightweight manned and unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned aircraft, sensors and weapons—and it’s all in one program. (EE Times, September 2004)

Linux can be used in the Military

The controversy surrounding the use of Linux in military applications is heating up. Here are several points of view from companies in-the-know. (COTS Journal, June 2004)