# computer security model

> scheme for specifying and enforcing security policies; may be founded upon a formal model of access rights, a model of computation, a model of distributed computing, or no theoretical grounding at all; implemented through a computer security policy

**Wikidata**: [Q5157582](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5157582)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_security_model)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer-security-model

## Summary
A **computer security model** is a framework for defining and enforcing security policies in computer systems. It may be based on formal models of access rights, computation, or distributed systems—or lack theoretical grounding entirely—and is implemented through a computer security policy.

## Key Facts
- A computer security model is a **subclass of computer security**, which protects systems from theft, damage, misuse, or data leaks.
- It can be founded on **formal models** (e.g., access rights, computation, distributed computing) or have **no theoretical basis**.
- Implemented through a **computer security policy** to enforce rules.
- Related to **access control**, which restricts resource access to authorized users.
- Examples include the **Biba model** (data integrity), **Clark–Wilson model** (integrity policy), and **Bell–LaPadula model** (military access control).
- **FLASK (Flux Advanced Security Kernel)** is an operating system security architecture tied to security models.
- Aliases include **Modelo de seguridad informatica** (Spanish) and **计算机安全模型** (Chinese).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of a computer security model?
A: It provides a structured way to specify and enforce security policies, ensuring systems protect against unauthorized access, data corruption, or other threats.

### Q: What are some well-known computer security models?
A: Notable models include the **Bell–LaPadula model** (for confidentiality), **Biba model** (for integrity), and **Clark–Wilson model** (for integrity policies).

### Q: How is a computer security model implemented?
A: It is enforced through a **computer security policy**, which defines rules for access, authentication, and system behavior.

### Q: Can a security model lack theoretical grounding?
A: Yes, some models are **practical implementations** without formal theoretical foundations.

## Why It Matters
Computer security models are essential for designing secure systems, as they provide a structured approach to defining and enforcing security policies. Without them, systems would lack consistent rules for access control, data integrity, and threat mitigation. These models are foundational in **military, government, and enterprise environments**, where security breaches can have severe consequences. They also influence modern security architectures, such as **FLASK**, and policies like the **same-origin policy** in web browsers. By formalizing security requirements, these models help prevent unauthorized access, data leaks, and system compromises.

## Notable For
- **Formalizing security policies** through structured frameworks.
- **Influencing military and government security** (e.g., Bell–LaPadula model).
- **Supporting integrity-focused models** (e.g., Biba, Clark–Wilson).
- **Being adaptable**—some models rely on formal theory, while others are purely practical.
- **Underpinning modern security architectures** like FLASK.

## Body
### Definition and Scope
A **computer security model** is a scheme for specifying and enforcing security policies. It may be based on:
- A **formal model of access rights** (e.g., role-based access control).
- A **model of computation** (e.g., state transition systems).
- A **model of distributed computing** (e.g., network security protocols).
- **No theoretical grounding**, relying instead on empirical rules.

### Implementation
Security models are implemented through **computer security policies**, which define:
- Who can access resources (**access control**).
- How data integrity is maintained (**integrity models**).
- How systems prevent unauthorized actions (**admission control**).

### Key Models
- **Bell–LaPadula model**: Enforces confidentiality in government/military systems.
- **Biba model**: Ensures data integrity by preventing unauthorized modifications.
- **Clark–Wilson model**: Provides a foundation for integrity policies in computing systems.
- **Graham-Denning model**: Defines rules for secure object creation and deletion.
- **HRU (Harrison-Ruzzo-Ullman) model**: A general framework for access control.

### Related Concepts
- **Same-origin policy**: A web security mechanism preventing cross-origin interference.
- **FLASK (Flux Advanced Security Kernel)**: An OS security architecture influenced by security models.
- **Admission control**: Validates connections in communication systems.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Computer security model",
  "description": "A scheme for specifying and enforcing security policies, which may be founded upon a formal model of access rights, computation, or distributed systems, or have no theoretical grounding.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5157371",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_security_model"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188784"
}

## References

1. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)