OpenBSD and Security, a breakdown.

Wylie Bayes -

OpenBSD is a free and open-source operating system that is known for its robust security features. In fact, OpenBSD is often considered to be one of the most secure operating systems available. In this blog post, we will explore why OpenBSD is more secure than other operating systems.

  1. Security Focus

The developers of OpenBSD have a strong focus on security. In fact, the OpenBSD project's mission statement includes the following: "Our development emphasizes security, correctness, and simplicity, and our code is designed to be as secure as possible." This focus on security is evident in the development process of OpenBSD. The code is thoroughly reviewed for potential security issues, and the developers are proactive in fixing any vulnerabilities that are discovered.

  1. Default Security Features

OpenBSD comes with several default security features that are not found in other operating systems. For example, OpenBSD uses a process called privilege separation, which separates the privileges of a process into smaller, more restricted components. This means that if a process is compromised, the attacker will only have access to the limited privileges of that component, rather than the full privileges of the entire system.

OpenBSD also uses a proactive approach to security. For example, the operating system's default configuration is designed to minimize the attack surface of the system. This means that unnecessary services are disabled by default, and only the necessary services are enabled.

  1. Secure by Default

OpenBSD is designed to be secure by default. This means that security is built into the operating system at every level. For example, OpenBSD uses a security-focused version of the C programming language called ProPolice, which provides protection against stack buffer overflows and other security vulnerabilities.

OpenBSD also includes several security features that are not found in other operating systems. For example, the operating system has a built-in cryptography framework called OpenSSH, which provides secure remote access to the system. OpenSSH is widely regarded as one of the most secure remote access protocols available.

  1. Security-Centered Development Process

The development process of OpenBSD is centered around security. The developers of OpenBSD have a reputation for being meticulous and thorough in their approach to security. The code is reviewed for potential security issues, and the developers are proactive in fixing any vulnerabilities that are discovered.

In addition to the code review process, OpenBSD also has a focus on security in its documentation. The documentation for OpenBSD is comprehensive and includes detailed information on security best practices, such as how to secure network services and how to configure the operating system for maximum security.

  1. Minimalistic Approach

OpenBSD takes a minimalistic approach to software development. This means that the operating system is designed to be as simple as possible. The developers of OpenBSD believe that complexity is the enemy of security. By keeping the operating system simple, they reduce the attack surface of the system and make it easier to secure.

  1. Continuous Improvement

The developers of OpenBSD are committed to continuously improving the security of the operating system. They release regular updates that include bug fixes and security patches. In addition, they are proactive in identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities, even if they are not yet being actively exploited.

  1. Security-Audited

OpenBSD has undergone several security audits, including one by the United States Department of Defense. These audits have confirmed that OpenBSD is one of the most secure operating systems available.

In conclusion, OpenBSD is more secure than other operating systems for several reasons. The developers of OpenBSD have a strong focus on security, and the operating system comes with several default security features that are not found in other operating systems. OpenBSD is designed to be secure by default, and the development process is centered around security.