Ubuntu Operating System in Smartphones - Essay Example

UBUNTU OPERATING SYSTEM IN SMARTPHONES Ubuntu operating system in smartphones Introduction Security needs are driving organisations and individual users to use Ubuntu operating system that is a capable alternative to other operating system such Apple’s Mac and Microsoft’s Windows. But ultimately consumers now expect much more from the smartphones. These new realities are forcing Ubuntu OS developers to come up with new features to cater for rising demand for smartphone products. Types of interfaces that Ubuntu Operating System uses Ubuntu operating system comes in several distributions. These distributions differ on several aspects as follows. A Linux distribution is an assembly of the kernel and supporting software applications for specific use. There are several Linux distributions available and include; RedHat, Linux CentOS, Fedora and Ubuntu. Among these distributions Ubuntu is the most popular due to its appealing usability and security controls. Ubuntu has features not far from those of Windows OS. Unlike other OS’s it is preinstalled with other applications such as OpenOffice, games and browsers like Mozilla Firefox. Ubuntu is available in many languages and supports other OS software applications such as Microsoft Office via other applications like Wine or Virtual machine. Ubuntu has either GNOME or KDE graphical user interface. This OS can serve as server in Ubuntu server edition or user version as Ubuntu desktop edition. It also can be used in minimal platforms as Xubuntu or in educational purposes as Edubuntu. Ubuntu is modified to achieve maximum efficiency for multimedia support in the Ubuntu studio version. Ubuntu is also available in mobile devices supporting internet technology as MID Ubuntu. Lastly Ubuntu is available in basic form in Gobuntu version GNOME interface is similar to the windows in menu and mouse buttons functions and layout. The Kubuntu on the other hand uses KDE graphical interface and has a start button just like the windows. The type of security that is implemented in the Ubuntu Operating System Security is a major concern in technology oriented world, this report will point out some security tools that are available on Ubuntu.Ubuntu is an open source operating system based on Linux/GNU and exists in desktop, servers and currently in smartphones. The Ubuntu operating system repository has security tools that administer and secure network. These tools detect virus, scan the network and detect any attack. These tools include: Network traffic analyser (packet analyser) named Wireshark that catches network traffic that strays out of the network cable. Another tool available in Ubuntu OS is Nessus which is a network scanning tool that detects vulnerability in configuration auditing and discovery of sensitive data .It also does remote network security audit task of asset profiling. Nmap is a tool that carries out security auditing by monitoring network host and maintaining network inventory. Kismet is a wireless network monitoring tool that sniffs, detects wireless networks and unauthorised entry (intrusion) Netcat – commonly known as swiss army knife that monitors network traffic in TCP and UDP communication protocols and port scanning. John the Ripper is a password cracker tool that is used by Ubuntu os administrators in determining vulnerability of the passwords by use of brute forcing in checking the strength of a password. GNU privacy guard is a security tool for safe storage of data. It encrypts data by creating signatures, supports PGP standard internet and contains advanced key management facility. Another tool the Ubuntu OS uses is Snort that detects network intrusion. On security note Ubuntu operating system comes with security features that provide maximum security. The OS is configured in a way that no open ports for the network listening services exist. The OS utilises SHA-512 based password hashes for verification of password thereby making it hard for a successful brute forcing to occur. Ubuntu OS has SYN cookies that help in cases of overwhelming network interactions. Ubuntu OS has modern file system capabilities that reduce vulnerability of setuid applications where there is distinct separation of support and user space. The users of Ubuntu OS have the privilege of setting and manipulating a network filter firewall. The kernel in Ubuntu OS manages Mandatory Access Control (MAC) through a number of ways: AppArmor is a path-based MAC for enforcing profiles. SELinux is an inode-based MAC that ensures the right boot-time adjustments. Ubuntu has also implemented SMACK, an inode-based MAC which is flexible. Ubuntu OS includes file system encryption on LVM that encrypt all partitions of the hard disk and ensures security of sensitive data by encrypting private directories(encrypts). Ubuntu also embraces user space hardening where compiler flags provide numerous security features in building packages. This is achieved by stack protector that prevent stack overflows, heap protector provides overflow protections to heap memory manager Address Space Layout Randomisation (ASLR) prevents memory corruption by making the memory allocation to be random hence making it hard for an attacker to guess the addresses. Ubuntu programs exist as position independent executables that together with ASLR hinder memory attacks. Ubuntu also has an added security feature; the Kernel Hardening that involves memory addressing protection, Syscall filtering, stack protector and black list rare protocols among others. Ubuntu Operating System interact with the network layers Ubuntu operating system strength lies in its firewalling and routing capabilities. Routing refers to the delivering of data packages known as packets across networks using a device by the name router that directs packets between the networks. The activity of routing takes place in the kernel. By analysing and translating the IP address the kernel determines the destination of packets by either forwarding them or accepting them if they belong to the host computer. IP routing table enables successful kernel implementation of TCP/IP. IP routing table is done in user mode. Dynamic routing can also be achieved through user space daemons. Networking allows resource sharing, though exposing computer networks to threats from hackers, malicious programs, privacy intrusion and spoofing among other network vices. Packet filters scrutinize the data packets being routed over networks and determine if they meet the necessary requirements. There are rules that enable quick decisions; the filter checks the pattern of the chain of packets and compares it with the set rules for uniformity. The packets can be rejected, accepted or dropped depending on the decision made. Ubuntu Operating system uses a packet filter known as Netfilter that four table’s namely Raw, Mangle, Nat and Filter. The Filter table is comprised of ; INPUT chain that checks the data packets whose destination is the local sockets, OUTPUT chain checks packets that are generated locally, While the FORWARD chain focuses on packets being routed on the host computer. Table nat is involved with address translation which makes Ubuntu OS to be popular among the ISP due to the incorporation of source and destination NAT. Netfilter supports network connection tracking that create modules that enable file transfer protocol and IRC operations over NAT. Ubuntu OS allows Shapping which is a means of changing the network attributes. The flow of data packets can be controlled by slowing some connections, reducing the bandwidth or having full throttle flow of packets. A classifier examines a particular packet and sends it to the suitable class thus providing the system administrators with an appropriate tool. Ubuntu Operating System is implemented in the smartphones Of late the an Ubuntu-based smartphone OS has been previewed which has startled many by its unique graphical user interface design that allows user to access the basic functions by swiping the various edges of the screen. Ubuntu-based smartphone OS uses gestural interfaces that enable touch oriented activities such as swipping or tapping the content areas. According to John (2013), this OS closely follows design principles obtained by studying how people use phones. The gesture based interface enables centring of the task at hand (to be placed at the centre of the screen). This interface has increased usability in comparison to the current smartphones available in market. Ubuntu uses gesture interface swipe to navigate and thus replaces physical navigational keys in the conventional mobile phones. He further reiterates that switching between running applications in Ubuntu OS smartphone is absolutely easy. Accessing controls, notifications and settings are achieved without ever interrupting the continuous progress of current application. Gestures are also very intuitive and give a natural sensation of engaging with personal content and applications especially in the much hyped social networking circles (John, 2013). The most frequently used features are at the edges of the screen, where Ubuntu left edge swipe activates and list of most used apps without leaving the current task. The top edge has functional capabilities of navigation keys of the conventional mobile phones such as message functionalities and phone settings. These settings can be altered without even leaving the current application therefore the flow of activities is maintained. Functions can be initiated by swiping or tapping from all edges of the screen edge. The running apps have their controls located at the bottom edge of the screen. The Ubuntu smartphone OS is very new with many advantages associated with though like any other technology it has its limitations in that people may be unfamiliar with them. The designers have made these features to be prompted by self-natural tendency and discoverable to new users through consistent use of the phones. Touch interfaces require a shorter learning time, once mastered it becomes a natural interaction thereby the users have an access to a new universe of interactions. Ubuntu’s design team has ensured great user experience despite the fact that the users can modify or fork it. Ubuntu has collaborated with other OS designers and contributors in developing great applications and products such as Ubuntu font which was introduced as a new font. Worked cited Andrew S. Tanenbaum (2008). Modern operating systems. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Hagen, W. (2010). Ubuntu Linux bible featuring Ubuntu 10.04 LTS. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub., Inc. John Pavlus (2013).The Inside Story of Ubuntu’s Gesture-Centric Smartphone. Retrieved May 2, 2013 from http://zowchow.com/gadgets/the-inside-story-of-ubuntus-gesture-centric-smartphone/ Nancy Owano (2013). Ubuntu for smartphones to stir up CES. Phys.org. Retrieved May 2, 2013 from http://phys.org/news/2013-01-ubuntu-smartphones-ces.html Paul Cobbaut (2013). Linux Fundamentals. Retrieved May 2, 2013 from http://linux training.be/files/books/LinuxFun.pdf Petersen, R. (2012). Ubuntu 12.04 server: administration and reference. Alameda, Calif: Surfing Turtle Press. Read More