A Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) is a specialized operating system designed to manage hardware resources and execute tasks with precise timing and high reliability. Unlike general-purpose operating systems (GPOS) such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, which prioritize maximizing throughput and user experience, an RTOS focuses on ensuring that critical tasks are completed within strict time constraints. This deterministic behavior is essential for applications where timing is crucial, such as embedded systems, industrial control, medical devices, automotive systems, and aerospace applications.
A microkernel architecture is primarily responsible for minimizing the attack surface in an embedded system by keeping the core kernel minimal and moving most system services to user space.
→ Reduced Kernel Complexity: By keeping the kernel core as small and simple as possible, there are fewer potential vulnerabilities in the kernel itself. The minimal kernel contains only the most essential functions needed to manage system resources and provide basic communication between processes.
→ Service Isolation: Non-essential services are implemented in user space, which means they run with reduced privileges. This isolation prevents a potential vulnerability in one service from compromising the entire system's core functionality.
→ Limited Exposure: With most functionalities delegated to user-space processes, the kernel exposes fewer interfaces and system calls, effectively reducing the potential attack surface.
A) Real-time scheduling algorithms focus on task execution timing, not security
C) High-priority interrupt handling ensures system responsiveness, but doesn't directly reduce attack surface
D) Dynamic memory allocation is a memory management technique and doesn't inherently improve system security