An Educational Operating System Supporting Computer Security
Patrick J. McGee · e-Publications@Marquette (Marquette University) · 2020
It is uncommon to teach computer security concepts using an embedded operating system. Few educational operating systems are implemented in systems courses, and a small subset of them are used to teach hardware-related security elements such as system calls. This work explores relevant approaches to teaching low-level security concepts, including difficulties associated with building a hands-on learning environment. This work also presents additions to the Embedded Xinu kernel that support system calls and memory protection on a Raspberry Pi 3 B+. Provided sample assignments are intended to help give students a solid understanding of intricate hardware details. Results from an assignment run in a computer security course show that the system call interface provides an effective way to teach essential computer security measures.