CY-501 OS Internals for Security Support - Nov 2023 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aWith a neat sketch explain the buffer header and buffer pool.
   How to answer

   • Definition of buffer header and its fields
   • Structure and organization of buffer pool / free lists
   • Relation between header and data buffer with neat sketch
   • Allocation / release operation flow
2. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the usage of queue and tree data structures in the operating system with their applications.
   How to answer

   • Role of queue data structure in OS scheduling and buffering
   • Role of tree data structure in file system and process management
   • Specific applications e.g. ready queue, directory tree
   • Comparison of usage scenarios
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain the system calls.

   1. i)open
   2. ii)read
   3. iii)create
   4. iv)chmod
   How to answer

   • Definition and purpose of system calls
   • Explanation of open, read, create, chmod calls
   • Parameters and return values
   • Example usage in file management
4. 7 Marks
   bExplain the process life cycle. Write the components of PCB.
   How to answer

   • States in process life cycle: new, ready, running, waiting, terminated
   • Transitions and diagram of life cycle
   • Definition of PCB
   • List and explain components of PCB
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat is IPC? Demonstrate the client/server communications using message queues.
   How to answer

   • Definition of IPC
   • Concept of message queues
   • Client/server communication model using message queues
   • Steps / example of message send and receive
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat is semaphore? Explain the types of semaphores.
   How to answer

   • Definition of semaphore
   • Wait and signal operations
   • Types: binary and counting semaphores
   • Applications in synchronization
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain how security and protection can be implemented in the operating system?
   How to answer

   • Concepts of security vs protection in OS
   • Authentication, access control, encryption mechanisms
   • Protection domains, access matrix
   • Implementation techniques in OS
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat is a Honeypot? Explain how honeypot can be used to protect against cyber attacks?
   How to answer

   • Definition of honeypot
   • Types / working of honeypot
   • How it traps attackers and collects intelligence
   • Role in protection against cyber attacks
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain in detail the types of viruses and worms.
   How to answer

   • Definition of virus vs worm
   • Classification / types of viruses
   • Types and propagation of worms
   • Examples and characteristics
10. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss about the common vulnerabilities and exposures for security.
    How to answer

    • Concept of CVE / vulnerabilities and exposures
    • Common examples of vulnerabilities
    • Impact on security
    • Mitigation approaches
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain mobile operating systems security.
    How to answer

    • Security challenges in mobile OS
    • Permission model, sandboxing, encryption
    • Android / iOS security features
    • Threats and countermeasures
12. 7 Marks
    bWhat is a Secure Coprocessor? Explain in detail secure coprocessors.
    How to answer

    • Definition of secure coprocessor
    • Architecture and tamper resistance
    • Cryptographic functions and key storage
    • Applications in secure systems
13. 7 Marks
    aWith a neat sketch explain the windows system architecture.
    How to answer

    • Overview of Windows system architecture layers
    • Kernel, executive, HAL components
    • Neat labelled sketch of architecture
    • User mode vs kernel mode interaction
14. 7 Marks
    bWrite the types of sockets. Explain in detail socket programming.
    How to answer

    • Types of sockets: stream, datagram, raw
    • Socket API and programming steps
    • Client-server socket program flow
    • Example code / functions
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two of the following:

    1. a)Mounting and unmounting of the file system
    2. b)Principles of concurrency
    3. c)Trojans and Rootkits
    4. d)System work threads and winsock
    How to answer

    • Select any two topics from given list
    • Definition and key concepts for each chosen topic
    • Working / principles with examples
    • Applications / security relevance