Date of Award
Spring 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Computing
First Advisor
Kaczmarek, Tom
Second Advisor
Brylow, Dennis
Third Advisor
Perouli, Debbie
Abstract
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.