CHC6171 Principles of Secure Operating

CHC6171: Semester 2, 2023-2024
CHC6171: Principles of Secure Operating Systems
Deadline: MAY 15th Total Score: 100 marks
Coursework: Understanding and modifying an OS- File Encryption
Mark distribution for this module is as follows; 50% Course Work + 50% Final

Examination = 100%

Learning Outcome:
(This exercise assesses LO (Learning Outcomes) 2 and 4.)
❖ LO 2: Create system-level software that modifies and extends existing operating systems.
Conduct experiments designed to evaluate the performance, security, and reliability of their
modifications and additions.
❖ LO 4: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of multi-threaded/process systems through
the design and implementation of communicating, multi-threaded systems software.
Coursework Task Description

1. File Encryption prevents unauthorized access to files by those who physically access a
   computer/drive. This is especially important to protect lost/stolen devices’ data/information
   against unauthorized access.
2. For this exercise, you will be designing software that protects data while sitting on systems’
   storage, and then adding and implementing this on your selected Operating System (OS), e.g.,
   Minix.
3. Follow the steps below in order, as you might find it harder if you don’t. Complete each step
   before moving on to the next.
   ❖ List the essential features that a File Encryption should have. Look at similar products
   for this (e.g., macOS FileVault).
   ❖ Design your software/patch to be added to your selected OS. This should involve
   communications with the existing parts of the OS.
   ❖ Implement and test your code using an incremental method.
   ❖ Run your code and perform an integration test.
   Prerequisites
4. Take your time to carefully read through the coursework descriptions to understand what is
   expected of you. Pay attention to the specific areas that need to be addressed and consider
   reading the recommended Textbook for this course for more guidelines.
   CHC6171: Semester 2, 2023-2024
5. Engage in a discussion with the module leader/Teaching assistant regarding your initial
   thoughts on the requirements. Schedule a meeting where you can demonstrate your file
   encryption software to the module leader/teaching assistant so that the current state of your
   work can be assessed and further suggestions for improvement can be given. This initial
   meeting is crucial for setting the direction of your revisions.
   Report Writing Guide:
   Student are required to submit their coursework source codes and a report using the
   attached report template. The details of the report are as follows:
   S/N Task Description Mark
6. A description of your File Encryption 5%
   2
   A list of functional and non-functional requirements and security features of
   File Encryption 10%
7. Design of your software/patch that includes communications with the OS 10%
8. Implementation of your File Encryption including annotated C code 15%
9. Testing plan for validating your software 10%
10. Description of integrating/adding the implemented component to OS 5%
11. Integration testing plan for integrating your component into the system 5%
    8
    Reporting the possible limitations, failures, and/or difficulties you experience
    in your work 5%
    9
    A conclusion section that includes recommendations for extending the
    conducted work 5%
12. References (using Harvard or Numerical style of referencing 5%
    11
    Demonstrate a thorough understanding of multi-threaded/process systems
    through the design and implementation of your system. This is not a separate
    section in your report. Instead, it has to be addressed and presented in the other
    sections, e.g., 2, 3, 4, and 6 (10%).
    10%
    12
    Description and reflections on improvement/revisions made. This section is
    critical as it highlights the important progress made in the current version of
    your coursework.
    15%
    Total 100
    Submission Description:
13. Submit your final report via the student website by MAY 15th.
14. Your report must at most be 2000 words (excluding tables, figures, annotated codes, and
    references).
    CHC6171: Semester 2, 2023-2024
15. The reports longer than 10% of the word limit will be penalized; the extra words will not
    be marked.
16. Marks and feedback will be available on the student website as soon as all marking routines
    are completed.
17. This coursework is an individual piece of work. The University rules concerning plagiarism,
    syndication, and cheating apply.
    Recommended References:
18. Textbooks:
    ❖ Operating System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz and Peter B. Galvin John Wiley
    and Sons 2013
    ❖ Modern Operating Systems: Global Edition by Andrew S Tanenbaum and Herbert Bos
    Pearson 2014
    ❖ Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles, Global Edition Pearson 2017
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