Security Projects
We have thousands of posts on a wide variety of open source and security topics, conveniently organized for searching or just browsing.
We have thousands of posts on a wide variety of open source and security topics, conveniently organized for searching or just browsing.
Developers recognize the critical nature of protecting software systems as cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, thus necessitating robust security measures in development lifecycle processes. Code security scanners play a vital role here. These tools are intended to detect, mitigate, and prevent security vulnerabilities in code, improving integrity, reliability, and security for software systems.
Linux has long been celebrated for its versatility, robustness, and vast array of security features it offers. A key aspect of maintaining and improving Linux security is using Linux Security Modules (LSMs) to manage access control policies.
On July 24, 2024, OpenSSL took an extraordinary step toward improving community engagement and realigning with its core values when it announced the implementation of a new governance framework and the launch of several projects under its mission statement. This event marks a historic moment for OpenSSL and Linux administrators worldwide who depend on this foundational technology for secure applications.
The Linux 6.10 release has generated considerable interest in the technology community. This is especially true among system administrators responsible for maintaining and securing networks and systems.
Debian recently unveiled a significant update to its stable distribution, Debian 12.6 (codename "bookworm"). While not an entirely new release, this upgrade brings important security fixes and fixes for severe problems to ensure an improved, secure operating environment for its users.
An update to OpenSSH, an open-source implementation of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, will introduce options to penalize unwanted behavior and increase security. This will give Linux admins greater control over their systems and improve security. These options will be available in the upcoming OpenBSD 7.6 release.
Parrot OS and Kali Linux have long been considered two of the most capable and widely used Linux distributions for security professionals and enthusiasts. Both operating systems provide numerous tools and features tailored specifically for penetration testing, digital forensics, and auditing purposes.
Nmap 7.95 introduces myriad enhancements, primarily focusing on OS and service detection signatures. This reflects the dedication of the Nmap community and the development team to improving network scanning capabilities.
The recently released Linux Kernel 6.9 brings forth a blend of crucial upgrades and enhancements, catering to the ever-evolving needs of the Linux ecosystem. Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, underscores this by stating, "a more powerful arm64 machine (thanks to Ampere)," signaling promising optimizations for ARM64 architecture in this new release.
The recent release of AlmaLinux 9.4, closely aligned with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9.4, presents Linux admins and infosec professionals with an enhanced open-source enterprise Linux solution. AlmaLinux 9.4 is built directly from RHEL's open-source source code, demonstrating the community's ability to deliver prompt updates. Let's explore this release's implications, long-term consequences, and impact on security practitioners.
The upcoming release of Linux Mint 22 will introduce significant changes, particularly in handling XApp, GNOME applications, and the Software Manager. These changes aim to enhance the overall user experience within the Linux Mint ecosystem, bolster security, and improve compatibility. Let's examine what you have to look forward to in Linux Mint 22 and the implications of these changes for Linux admins and security practitioners.
German software engineer Lennart Poettering recently presented run0, a new tool in systemd v256 that aims to address the security concerns associated with the widely used sudo command. Let's explore run0's implications for Linux admins and security practitioners.
The latest release of Debian, one of the oldest and most trusted distributions within the Linux ecosystem, redefines security, stability, and innovation in open-source OSes. As security practitioners and Linux administrators, we always seek stable and innovative operating systems that can meet our needs while keeping our systems secure.
A significant change has been merged into the x86 fixes for Linux 6.9, requiring the seeding of RNG (Random Number Generation) with RdRand for CoCo (Confidential Computing) environments. The change focuses on CoCo virtual machines, designed to be as isolated as possible, assuming the VM host is untrusted. RdRand is critical as a hardware random number generator instruction for entropy to guest VMs. Security expert and WireGuard developer Jason Donenfeld authored this change.
Recent enhancements have been made to GitHub Actions, a feature of GitHub that enables automation and CI/CD processes for developer teams. The updates focus on boosting security and power for GitHub-hosted runners, virtual machines that execute workflows.
Tails 6.1 has been released as the latest version of the renowned Linux distribution focused on privacy and anonymity. This critical analysis will delve into the release's key updates and improvements, discuss the implications for security practitioners, and explore potential long-term consequences.
Integrating the Graph for Understanding Artifact Composition (GUAC) in the open-source security framework has tremendous potential to improve software supply chain security. GUAC is an initiative introduced by Google, Kusari, Purdue University, and Citi that aggregates software security metadata into a high-fidelity graph database.
Openwall has released Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG) 0.9.8 with significant updates and improvements. For those unfamiliar with Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG), it is a kernel module that performs runtime integrity checking of the Linux kernel and detects security vulnerability exploits against the kernel.
Ubuntu and Fedora are two prominent Linux distributions, each offering its own set of strengths and features. Ubuntu, created by Canonical Ltd., boasts a user-friendly interface, stable performance, and a vast repository of pre-installed and downloadable software. On the other hand, Fedora prides itself on being an innovative and secure platform, perfect for experienced Linux users who desire the latest technological advancements.
Chinese tech giant Huawei has proposed introducing a "SandBox Mode" for the Linux kernel, aimed at bolstering memory security. This mode would create an environment where native kernel code can be executed but with access restricted only to predefined memory addresses.