Speaker: Dr Ian Pratt, FREng
Abstract
Software running on modern client systems has become too large and complex to secure via conventional means, making it an easy target for malware. This talk discusses how "micro-virtualization" can be used to retrofit robust isolation and protection to client systems, resulting in a much more defensible platform with far greater resistance to malware and user error, while operating transparently to the end user.
The approach relies on the use of hardware-assisted virtualization to enforce run-time isolation between user tasks: every document, email attachment, web site etc is a different task and will open in its own isolated environment with access to just the resources necessary to complete the task. The environment exists just for the duration of the task, and is discarded -- along with any malware -- when the task finishes.
Dr Ian Pratt FREng leads the product team at Bromium, a rapidly-growing company focussed on making computer systems more trustworthy. He was formerly a member of faculty at the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory, where he led the Systems Research Group before leaving to found XenSource, which was acquired by Citrix in 2007. He co-founded Bromium in 2011, which now employs around 100 researchers and developers across its offices in Cambridge UK and Cupertino, California.Dr Ian Pratt FREng leads the product team at Bromium, a rapidly-growing company focussed on making computer systems more trustworthy. He was formerly a member of faculty at the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory, where he led the Systems Research Group before leaving to found XenSource, which was acquired by Citrix in 2007. He co-founded Bromium in 2011, which now employs around 100 researchers and developers across its offices in Cambridge UK and Cupertino, California.
The talk is hosted by Horizon.