Though this is great I do wish we can take this initiative a step further. What I would like to see is a database where peoples home systems could check whether there are (security)updates for their software and hardware. We really really need such a system. I'll try to frame the problem and than I will give you an idea of my solution.
Problem
A growing problem in ICT security is that we get more and more intelligent systems connected to networks that one way or another can access the internet. Think of Tivo's, Mediacenters, Axis Network cams, DSL-modems, Wifi access points, Philips Streamium, set top boxes, fridges?? etc. All of these come equipped with their own embedded operating system, webserver for maintenance etc. This makes them very scary from a security point of view. If we're unlucky the software for these systems is buggy and can be exploited by hackers. Don't think it is not possible... Axis Network cams were hacked the moment they were hooked up to the Hacking At Large 2001 network. The trouble is we install these machines in our homenetwork and tend to never look at them again. We might take care of our home PC, but how many people update their ADSL modem or their wireless router? And the really bad thing is, where our pc nowadays notifies us that Windows or OSX needs to be updated, these machines stay always on and always quiet. They are the perfect target for hackers.
Solution
My solution is: Have all systems and all software on them register centrally with a local "hackable systems database" (need a cool name) with device name, type, software version and a hash of each of the current installed files . In an office setting this could be at the IT-department, at home this could be the home pc. This way you have a view of what is within your organisation and hooked up to the network. Now the "hackable systems database" could check with a central database and check the information it has on record to known vulnerable files and software versions. This way sysadmins and people at home can know automagically whether or not their systems are vulnerable. This system can also be used by the software and hardware to check whether there might be updates and update themselves automagically.
We're already doing this on one system. Debian apt-get is world renowned for it. Microsoft tries to the same. Now do it for the whole house/company.
Requirements
- A standardized interface for systems and software to report their existence to one or more central systems ( "hackable systems database") on startup and/or when asked.
- A standardized interface between the central database and the "hackable systems database"
- A central database for software developers and system designers to report their software and subsequent updates to. My idea would be to organize this per economic region, much like the Regional Internet Registries. This way it feels more local to developers, which might help them report their software. NIST and the European Network and Information Security Agency seem like good candidates.
- A low barrier to register the software and the updates, but with good security. The system should be free to use, so a good task for governments.
- A cool name! TWAIN is already taken... but something like it... people should want it!!
Industry together with standardization institutions like IETF, NIST, IEEE and security organisations like CERT's and ENISA.
Update: Saw a great presentaton by Michiel de Bruijn who goes into the underlying problem: Everything You Know About Client Security Is Wrong (Or: What It Would Take To Build A Secure OS Your Mother Could Use) He goes into the underlying errors on computer system. Follow the link
