Sandboxing definition
Sandboxing is a security technique that isolates running programs, usually in order to test or analyze them. It is used to execute untested code or untrusted programs, as it can prevent them from making permanent changes to the system or accessing sensitive data. Sandboxing typically involves creating a separate environment for the program to run in, with restricted access to system resources and other programs. This allows the program to be run and tested without posing a risk to the rest of the system.
Sandboxing use cases
- Testing new software. Sandboxing can be used to test new software without the risk of it making changes to the system or interacting with other programs in unintended ways. This is especially useful for software developers, who can use sandboxing to test their code before releasing it to the public.
- Analyzing malware. Sandboxing can be used to analyze malware safely, as it allows the malware to be run in a controlled environment where it cannot access sensitive data or make changes to the system. This can help security researchers understand how the malware works and how to defend against it.
- Running untrusted code. Sandboxing can be used to run untrusted code without the risk of it damaging the system or exposing sensitive data. This is especially useful for companies that need to run third-party code as part of their business, as it allows them to do so in a secure manner.
- Isolating processes. Sandboxing can be used to isolate processes from each other, allowing them to run concurrently without interference. This can be useful for running multiple instances of the same program or for running programs that may conflict with each other.
