What Is Sandbox in Computing | Total Security Software

Computer systems have a versatility that is still capable of surprising. In most cases, this is used to protect systems, networks or tasks, against possible threats. Therefore, today we will help you answer what is sandbox in computing.

Knowing What a Sandbox Is

When we ask ourselves what is a sandbox in computing, it refers to a security procedure in which the isolation of a program from the rest of the operating system is executed.

In this way, any application that is started within a sandbox is controlled to avoid alterations or unwanted interactions with other elements of the system.

These are some of the characteristics of isolation carried out in a sandbox:

·         The programs can be executed under the mode of temporary files, to specify their isolation from the rest of the system.

·         Each program can be prevented from linking with other devices, especially external hard drives or portable memory.

·         Your disk space allocation prevents these applications from accessing other disk space that is unrelated to their allocation.

·         The program's ability to inspect the host device is limited.

·         As for the space in the memory of the computer, the program in the sandbox receives its own. Of course, they are prevented from accessing other memory spaces that are not related to the isolated element.

·         The bandwidth used by the program in question may be limited.

·         When a program enters the sandbox, its access to the network and any server is limited.

·         It is guaranteed at all times that the environment where the program will develop will be completely controlled, creating a virtualized version of it.

Why Are Sandbox Techniques Used?

The isolation of a program about their computing environment is used to run so without risk to the rest of the system. This occurs when it is suspected that the isolated element may have some corrupted characteristic.

In the same way, it can be used when the selected program must undergo some test or evaluation of its operation. So if left in normal condition with the rest of the system, it could cause errors.

Thus, the sandbox can be used in situations such as those described below:

· Starting Programs Downloaded from The Web

There are certain programs that can cause a security problem in an operating system, especially when they are downloaded from the internet. That is why the sandbox acts in these cases.

Some examples of this are browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Tor, Opera, among others. Likewise, programs that make video calls, allow you to view downloaded documents or control another computer remotely, can enter the sandbox.

· Development of Performance Tests

Programmers and developers often run countless tests of the software and code that they have put so much work into. That is why they take advantage of the sandbox to carry out these tests.

As a result, the programs tested will in no way affect the operation of the operating system.

· Running Potentially Malicious Programs

The sandbox process can be run to start an application for which there are unreliable signals. This maybe related to its developer, download source, or functional description.

Some of these programs may contain malicious software, which can severely affect the device. Some examples are viruses, spyware, or Trojans, among others.

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· Make File Downloads

In many cases, files downloadable from the internet, such as torrents, carry the risk of containing malware. That is why the sandbox becomes a suitable process when executing them.

· There Is Also the Sandbox in Browsers

It is important to note that web browsers often have their own sandbox mechanism, especially applicable in the case of downloads. However, it is known that these are often affected by vulnerabilities and security flaws.

Given this, the execution of a second Sandbox is quite suitable, to prevent greater evils in the system.

Tips for Running a Sandbox

When a user intends to sandbox a program, it is necessary to consider the following aspects:

·         Use suitable programs for this task, such as Sandboxie, Evalaze, BufferZone, or Browser in the Box.
·         The sandbox can be carried out by any user, but when it comes to a complex task it must be left in expert hands.
·         In the case of systems belonging to companies, it is recommended to entrust this task to specialized IT personnel, since an error in this area can cause operational problems after its execution.

Finally, when we ask ourselves what is a sandbox in computing, we can affirm that it is a necessary process to ensure the correct functioning of a system, while preventing situations that could affect it.