Sandbox technology is something that is getting more and more publicity lately, but still many individuals and particularly your average home user don’t really know much about it. Since the infocarnivore blog focuses on the simpler side of security with the aim of assisting individuals who aren’t computer security experts I thought I’d write a brief post outlining sandbox technology.
What is it?
Today’s Sandbox technology as it relates to computer security is simply put a method of separating running programs from each other. It’s not to be confused with the Sandbox Effect related to search engines, or Sandbox Technique used by software development companies. A security sandbox is essentially a virtual environment where programs can run safely without having an effect on the overall system. This is especially useful when browsing the web or testing an untrusted program from perhaps an unknown or untrusted source.
Sandboxie
A popular program that is available in a free version is Sandboxie which creates a sandbox-like isolated operating environment in which applications can be run or installed without permanently modifying the local or mapped drive. The below image from the sandboxie website gives a perfect visual of sandbox technology when used in the context of browsing the web.
VMWare
Another solution is the VMware Workstation 7.1 – The Gold Standard in Desktop Virtualization (Click Here) which utilizes the same technology but is a little more advanced in features than Sandboxie, and is more of an enterprise or corporate solution as they have sandbox technology features for creating virtual desktops, virtual servers, and other management solutions.
VMWare download: VMware Storefront Homepage VMware
For You, the Home User
The simplest way of defining a sandbox is that new data (which could potentially include malicious threats) is separated from your critical system files and stored in the ‘sandbox’ where it can be dealt with appropriately. If there is a threat it is isolated from making any destructive changes to your system. Perhaps now you can see how this technology can be useful. In the corporate and enterprise environment there are many other applications and uses for sandbox technology, but for You, the home user the most basic of solutions is protecting you from online threats such as malware, spyware, rogue antivirus products, or potentially malicious web links.
Now that you know do you think you’d give Sandbox technology a try? Leave a comment with your experiences or thoughts.
8 comments
Twitted by infocarnivore says:
Aug 16, 2010
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Tweets that mention Sandbox technology, what is it? « Information Carnivore -- Topsy.com says:
Aug 17, 2010
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Brian Gill, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder and others. Daniel Snyder said: Playing in the sandbox, a much safer way of browsing the web. http://bit.ly/ctK4h9 […]
Adobe Reader Download says:
Jan 23, 2011
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How Can I stay safe on a Torrent Site | Info Carnviore says:
Feb 9, 2011
[…] system from malicious threats by quarantining them from the get go. Read this article “Sandbox technology, what is it?” to find out more. Or take a look at my recommended sandbox software at the VMware […]
Woot Woot says:
Feb 18, 2011
Which one would you recommend for the average home user? Sandboxie or Vmware?
Daniel Snyder says:
Feb 18, 2011
I’d recommend either, though if your looking for a simple setup at home sandboxie may be the way to go as it has a free version. VMWare is a little more in depth and established so you’ll get better support and options, but you’ll have to pay.
Martha says:
Oct 17, 2011
Do you know if there is a free sandbox for mac OS X? I can’t seem to find one on google…
Bernie says:
Feb 18, 2012
I have played with the sandbox component of Avast Antivirus free. You leave me with the same question that it does, neither providing an answer. So, I open something up in Sandbox, it works fine. How do I know it does not have malware in it that I am not seeing because it is contained in the sandbox? Having got to that point, if I close whatever it is off, it’s gone from my computer, as I understand it. How do I switch it from containment in the sandbox to being incorporated in my system? Keep in mind my first question because it still might contain malware. Perhaps I have downloaded a movie. Typically I drag and drop it to my USB memory stick and play it on my main TV using a media player. Can I contain the movie in the sandbox, drop it to my memory stick and play it on my TV?
Understanding what the sandbox is is one thing, actually using it correctly is another. Your overview to the point you have taken it, though, is excellent. Can you address the second part, please?