Sunday, November 23, 2008

What is Symbian OS v9.x Platform Security

What is Symbian OS v9.x Platform Security

It is a fine-grained way to efficiently restrict or completely prevent
unauthorised access to sensitive APIs and data on the mobile
phone while keeping the device open to developers.

It follows a per-process capability-based model
It compartmentalises the system, according to access capabilities,
to APIs and files
It makes sure that the users can make policy decisions they
understand
It is Kernel mediated but server enforced

Why a finer-grained Platform Security model ?

Phones are open, networked & data communication devices
• Users expect their phones to be highly reliable
• Users care about their privacy – and their phone bills
• Mobile networks are not like the internet – they can restrict
access
• Existing “Perimeter Security” model enables unrestricted
access to all phone capabilities once installed

Benefits of Platform Security

For developers


Maintains network operator & user confidence in open
phone environment

Grows opportunity for mass market applications,
content & services

enables m-commerce applications & high value DRM
content

For network operator


Protects network & handsets from malware

Protects customer data & privacy

New Symbian OS concept – Data Caging
Separating code from data
• File-system structure changes

\sys, \resource, \private\, \

Executables will be placed in and only run from \sys\bin
• Processes are confined to their own part of the file-system
• Access rules based on directory path

Single user, no access control list required

No extra storage needed
• Support for removable media file systems
tamper evidence for binaries

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