What is Operating System?

Understanding Operating Systems and Their Role in Cybersecurity: Features, Applications, and Vulnerabilities

An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages a computer's hardware and system resources, and provides services and tools for the user. The OS allows the user to interact with the computer and execute programs efficiently, through a user-friendly interface that hides the low-level details of hardware and networks. The OS also manages the security and stability of the system, including the protection against malware and other cyber threats.

the operating system is a crucial component of defense against attacks and infections. A vulnerable or compromised OS can expose the user and the system to various risks, such as data theft, system corruption, ransomware, or botnet activities. Therefore, understanding the basics of an OS and its security features is essential for protecting a computer and its assets.

There are various types of operating systems, including proprietary OS, open-source OS, mobile OS, embedded OS, real-time OS, and network OS. Each type has different features and applications, depending on its intended use and limitations. For instance, a mobile OS designed for smartphones and tablets may have specific features for touch screens, sensors, location services, and connectivity, while a server OS may have tools for managing networks, databases, virtualization, and user accounts.

One of the most popular OS for personal computers is Microsoft Windows, which has been around since the 1980s and evolved through many versions and editions. Windows has become a target for cybercriminals due to its widespread usage and popularity. Malware writers often create viruses, Trojan horses, worms, or ransomware programs that exploit the vulnerabilities of Windows and its applications, such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, and Java.

the WannaCry ransomware attack that hit over 200,000 computers worldwide in 2017 exploited a vulnerability in Windows called EternalBlue, which was allegedly leaked from the US National Security Agency. The WannaCry malware encrypted the files of infected computers and demanded a ransom payment in Bitcoin to unlock them. Many victims had to pay the ransom or lose valuable data, systems, and productivity. The WannaCry attack raised awareness of the importance of keeping the OS and the software up to date and patched, to prevent such attacks.

Therefore, to enhance the security of the operating system, it is recommended to follow the best practices of cybersecurity, such as:

- Keep the OS and the applications updated with the latest patches and versions, which often fix known security flaws and vulnerabilities.

- Install and use antimalware software and firewalls that can detect and block malware and suspicious activities, and prevent them from accessing the system or the network.

- Use strong and unique passwords for user accounts and reduce the privilege level of users to minimize the damage that can be caused by an infected account.

- Enable security settings, such as UAC (User Account Control) in Windows, DEP (Data Execution Protection), and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), which can prevent malware from exploiting memory regions or running elevated commands.

- Be cautious when opening emails, links, or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources, or when visiting untrustworthy websites or downloading pirated software, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts.

- Back up important data regularly to an external drive or a cloud service, to avoid losing it in case of a malware infection or a hardware failure.

- Educate users about the risks of cyber threats and the importance of cybersecurity policies and guidelines, including the use of strong passwords, the avoidance of social engineering tactics, the protection of sensitive data, and the reporting of security incidents.


the operating system is a critical component of cybersecurity and antivirus, as it serves as the platform for running software and storing and processing data, and it provides security mechanisms that prevent malware and other cyber threats. Therefore, it is essential to keep the OS and the applications up to date and patched, to use antimalware software and firewalls, to follow best practices of password and user account management, and to educate users about the risks and practices of cybersecurity.

Operating System FAQs