Reference no: EM132926803
Process Isolation
What is Process Isolation? Well, we have to break the process down into it''s parts. First, we must understand what a process is. "A process is a program running on a computer." (Hale et al., 2017) So this can be any program that a user has open on their computer; Microsoft Word, Google Chrome or even the Snipping Tool. All of these programs operate in their own space of memory known as the address space, which only that particular program can access. Our next question then needs be answered, what is isolation? Isolation is simply separating one thing from the other. An example would be like in a prison system. Some prisoners must be isolated or separated from other prisoners because of type of crime or even race. Then our last question would be what is process isolation? Well, to put it in simple terms, it would be to separate one program''s address space from another programs.
The purpose of process isolation is to keep one program from accessing another program. If a virus is introduced into a single process (program) and there is process isolation in place, then the virus is contained to that one single process (program) due to the program''s address space having it''s own set of defined memory. However, in a situation where there is no process isolation, a simple virus can wreak havoc. When there is no process isolation and a virus is introduced into a program, then the virus can use the one program as a back door to access another program''s address space.
Process isolation effectively closes the back door so that the virus cannot spread to other programs. "Processes have to us defined communications mediated by the operating system to communicate with other processes. A process should never trust any other process on the computer." (Hale et al., 2017) Process isolation is vital to helping contain the spread of virus'' and malware and ensure the safety of data. Hale, M., Gandhi, R., & Morrison, B. (2017). Introduction to Cybersecurity First Principles · nebraska-gencyber-modules. Mlhale.github.io.