Trust in Computer Systems and the Cloud - Hardcover

by Mike Bursell (Author)

Learn to analyze and measure risk by exploring the nature of trust and its application to cybersecurity

Trust in Computer Systems and the Cloud delivers an insightful and practical new take on what it means to trust in the context of computer and network security and the impact on the emerging field of Confidential Computing. Author Mike Bursell's experience, ranging from Chief Security Architect at Red Hat to CEO at a Confidential Computing start-up grounds the reader in fundamental concepts of trust and related ideas before discussing the more sophisticated applications of these concepts to various areas in computing.

The book demonstrates in the importance of understanding and quantifying risk and draws on the social and computer sciences to explain hardware and software security, complex systems, and open source communities. It takes a detailed look at the impact of Confidential Computing on security, trust and risk and also describes the emerging concept of trust domains, which provide an alternative to standard layered security.

• Foundational definitions of trust from sociology and other social sciences, how they evolved, and what modern concepts of trust mean to computer professionals
• A comprehensive examination of the importance of systems, from open-source communities to HSMs, TPMs, and Confidential Computing with TEEs.
• A thorough exploration of trust domains, including explorations of communities of practice, the centralization of control and policies, and monitoring

Perfect for security architects at the CISSP level or higher, Trust in Computer Systems and the Cloud is also an indispensable addition to the libraries of system architects, security system engineers, and master's students in software architecture and security.

Front Jacket

"A must-read book to understand how one of the bases of human civilization can and must be applied in the digital world."

-- Dr. Diego R. Lopez, Head of Technology Exploration, Telefonica and Chair of ETSI blockchain initiative

"As we have moved to the digital society, appreciating what and what not to trust is paramount if you use computer systems and/or the Cloud. You will be well prepared when you have read this book."

-- Professor Peter Landrock, D.Sc. (hon), Founder of Cryptomathic

A groundbreaking exploration of trust, risk, and security

Trust is a central concept in computer software and hardware, but it remains poorly defined and even less understood. Many information technology professionals operate without an overarching, theory-based understanding of what trust is, how it is built, or how it is shared between computer systems and users.

In Trust in Computer Systems and the Cloud, renowned security expert Mike Bursell delivers an insightful and compelling treatment of how trust can be discussed, defined, and managed in many areas of computing. By anchoring his sophisticated, but approachable, exploration of the topic in the concept of understanding and quantifying risk, the author walks readers through the basic ideas of trust and the applications of trust to complex systems, open-source communities, and trust domains.

The book draws on recent scholarship in the social and computer sciences to explain contemporary trends in hardware and software security while maintaining a tight focus on pragmatic applications in computing. It serves as a practical starting point for decisions and discussions about trust, security, and risk. This approach establishes the core trust principles underlying Confidential Computing and introduces cross-disciplinary frameworks on which readers can build powerful new computing and cloud applications.

Author Biography

MIKE BURSELL is CEO and co-founder of Profian, a Confidential Computing company. He holds multiple security patents, is a sought-after speaker at global technology conferences, and has contributed to major reports and security specifications for the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.