Description: Regulate in the context of application security refers to the ability to control or maintain the behavior of an application through defined security policies. Various access control systems allow system administrators to define what resources an application can use and how it can interact with the operating system. This is achieved by creating profiles that specify the allowed and prohibited actions for each application. The central idea is to limit applications’ access to only those resources they actually need, thereby minimizing the risk that malicious or compromised software can cause damage to the system or access sensitive data. Regulate implies establishing a clear and specific framework that guides the behavior of applications, ensuring they operate within the established limits. This approach not only enhances system security but also facilitates application management, as administrators can adjust policies as needed to adapt to new threats or changes in the operating environment.
History: Various application regulation systems have been developed over the years as security solutions for operating systems. These designs are based on the principle of least privilege, allowing administrators to define specific security policies for each application. Such systems have evolved, improving their functionality and ease of use, and have become essential tools for security in varying technological environments.
Uses: Application regulation systems are primarily used to protect critical applications and services across different operating systems. They allow administrators to define security profiles that limit applications’ access to system resources such as files, networks, and devices. This is especially useful in environments where third-party applications are running or where security is a primary concern. Additionally, these systems can be used to audit application behavior, identifying unauthorized actions and helping administrators adjust security policies as needed.
Examples: A practical example of application regulation can be seen in various Linux distributions, where predefined profiles are used for common applications. These profiles limit these applications’ access to only the necessary resources, reducing the risk of exploitation. Another case is the use of application regulation in web servers, where specific profiles can be created for applications, ensuring they can only access the files and directories necessary for their operation.
