trusted computing base

Everything that causes a computer system or network to be devoid of malicious software or hardware. Maintaining the trusted computing base (TCB) is essential for security policy to be implemented successfully. See known-good software, TCG, NCSC and NGSCB.

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References in periodicals archive

Ten years ago, who would have thought a word processor should be part of the trusted computing base? There is no way to be assured of the security of such a complex component; the only possible solutions are to split off the security-sensitive pieces into small, auditable modules, or to provide new operating system primitives that will have the same effect.

Computer Security--An End State?

In the security community, efforts focused on properties of multilevel security kernels and supposedly small trusted computing bases have had some success in formalizing requirements and encouraging improved system architectures.

Using formal methods to reduce risks

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