๐ง SSH: Secure Shell, Secure Access
SSH isnโt just for hackers in hoodies โ itโs the backbone of secure remote access for sysadmins, devs, and cloud warriors.
Letโs break it down ๐
๐ โSSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic protocol for securely accessing remote machines over an unsecured network.โ
๐ฏ Main Purpose:
To provide encrypted, authenticated remote access to systems over insecure networks (like the internet).
โ Secure alternative to Telnet, FTP, and unencrypted remote protocols.
๐ Key Features:
๐ Confidentiality: All data is encrypted
๐ Authentication: Password or key-based identity verification
๐ฆ Integrity: Packets canโt be tampered with
๐งญ Port forwarding: Secure tunnels for apps (e.g., databases)
๐ Secure file transfer: via scp or sftp
๐ How Key Establishment Works (First Use):
๐ Client connects to SSH server for the first time
๐ง Server sends its public host key to the client
โ ๏ธ Since this is the first time, the client doesn't know if it can be trusted
โ User is prompted:
โThe authenticity of host โexample.comโ canโt be established. Do you trust this host?โ
๐ If accepted, the serverโs public key is stored in ~/.ssh/known_hosts
๐ From then on, future connections verify the key to detect MITM attacks
Itโs like saying:
"I don't know you, but Iโll remember your face (key) from now on."
๐งช Pro Tip:
Use SSH key pairs for login instead of passwords
Even better: Use ED25519 keys โ modern, fast, secure
Check your fingerprint with:
๐งฉ TL;DR
SSH gives you secure, encrypted remote control over machines.
The first time you connect, it asks: โDo I trust this server?โ โ if yes, it saves the key and guards you from fakes ever after.
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SSH isnโt just for hackers in hoodies โ itโs the backbone of secure remote access for sysadmins, devs, and cloud warriors.
Letโs break it down ๐
๐ โSSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic protocol for securely accessing remote machines over an unsecured network.โ
๐ฏ Main Purpose:
To provide encrypted, authenticated remote access to systems over insecure networks (like the internet).
โ Secure alternative to Telnet, FTP, and unencrypted remote protocols.
๐ Key Features:
๐ Confidentiality: All data is encrypted
๐ Authentication: Password or key-based identity verification
๐ฆ Integrity: Packets canโt be tampered with
๐งญ Port forwarding: Secure tunnels for apps (e.g., databases)
๐ Secure file transfer: via scp or sftp
๐ How Key Establishment Works (First Use):
๐ Client connects to SSH server for the first time
๐ง Server sends its public host key to the client
โ ๏ธ Since this is the first time, the client doesn't know if it can be trusted
โ User is prompted:
โThe authenticity of host โexample.comโ canโt be established. Do you trust this host?โ
๐ If accepted, the serverโs public key is stored in ~/.ssh/known_hosts
๐ From then on, future connections verify the key to detect MITM attacks
Itโs like saying:
"I don't know you, but Iโll remember your face (key) from now on."
๐งช Pro Tip:
Use SSH key pairs for login instead of passwords
Even better: Use ED25519 keys โ modern, fast, secure
Check your fingerprint with:
ssh-keygen -l -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_ed25519_key.pub
๐งฉ TL;DR
SSH gives you secure, encrypted remote control over machines.
The first time you connect, it asks: โDo I trust this server?โ โ if yes, it saves the key and guards you from fakes ever after.
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
๐Boost Us
๐ฏ Return-to-libc Attacks โ Evading DEP/NX Like a Pro Hacker ๐ป๐ฅ
Modern systems use defenses like DEP (Data Execution Prevention) or NX (No-eXecute) to stop code injection by marking the stack and heap as non-executable. Sounds secure, right?
Wellโฆ return-to-libc attacks find a clever way around it. ๐
๐ What Is Return-to-libc?
Instead of injecting new shellcode, the attacker:
1๏ธโฃ Overwrites the return address on the stack
2๏ธโฃ Redirects execution to a legitimate function in libc (like system())
3๏ธโฃ Supplies arguments like "/bin/sh" via the stack
๐ So you get a shell โ without injecting any code!
๐ซ Why DEP/NX Canโt Stop It:
โ๏ธ The attack doesn't run custom code
โ๏ธ It uses already-present executable code in memory
โ๏ธ DEP/NX only block code execution from non-executable regions, not legit library calls
๐ก Example Flow:
Overflow a buffer
Overwrite return address with address of system()
Place "/bin/sh" in stack memory
Return to exit() after execution to clean up
๐ก Defenses That DO Help:
๐ ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) โ randomizes libc address
๐ Stack canaries, RELRO, Control-Flow Integrity (CFI) โ add layers of protection
๐ Disable unused libc functions or use hardened libraries
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Modern systems use defenses like DEP (Data Execution Prevention) or NX (No-eXecute) to stop code injection by marking the stack and heap as non-executable. Sounds secure, right?
Wellโฆ return-to-libc attacks find a clever way around it. ๐
๐ What Is Return-to-libc?
Instead of injecting new shellcode, the attacker:
1๏ธโฃ Overwrites the return address on the stack
2๏ธโฃ Redirects execution to a legitimate function in libc (like system())
3๏ธโฃ Supplies arguments like "/bin/sh" via the stack
๐ So you get a shell โ without injecting any code!
๐ซ Why DEP/NX Canโt Stop It:
โ๏ธ The attack doesn't run custom code
โ๏ธ It uses already-present executable code in memory
โ๏ธ DEP/NX only block code execution from non-executable regions, not legit library calls
๐ก Example Flow:
Overflow a buffer
Overwrite return address with address of system()
Place "/bin/sh" in stack memory
Return to exit() after execution to clean up
๐ก Defenses That DO Help:
๐ ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) โ randomizes libc address
๐ Stack canaries, RELRO, Control-Flow Integrity (CFI) โ add layers of protection
๐ Disable unused libc functions or use hardened libraries
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
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๐ก Reference Monitor Model: The Gatekeeper of Access Control
Ever wonder who checks whether you really have permission to open that file or access that resource?
That job belongs to the Reference Monitor โ the silent bouncer of your OS. ๐๐ช
๐ โThe Reference Monitor is an abstract concept in security models that enforces access control policies.โ
In practice, itโs the core mechanism behind tools like Access Control Lists (ACLs).
๐ What It Does:
The Reference Monitor checks every access attempt and decides:
โ Allow
โ Deny
โก๏ธ Based on your identity and the security policy
๐ 3 Essential Properties (Must-Haves):
Tamperproof โ Canโt be modified by unauthorized users
Always Invoked โ No way to bypass it
Verifiable โ Must be small/simple enough to audit (e.g., Trusted Computing Base)
๐ Reference Monitor + ACLs:
ACL = a list attached to an object (like a file), showing who can do what.
Reference Monitor uses that list to enforce decisions:
๐งช Example:
๐ง Where It's Used:
Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux)
Firewalls
Database access control
Virtual machines and hypervisors
๐งฉ TL;DR
The Reference Monitor is the enforcer behind access decisions.
It checks who you are, what you want, and whether youโre allowed โ using tools like ACLs to guide its decisions.
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Ever wonder who checks whether you really have permission to open that file or access that resource?
That job belongs to the Reference Monitor โ the silent bouncer of your OS. ๐๐ช
๐ โThe Reference Monitor is an abstract concept in security models that enforces access control policies.โ
In practice, itโs the core mechanism behind tools like Access Control Lists (ACLs).
๐ What It Does:
The Reference Monitor checks every access attempt and decides:
โ Allow
โ Deny
โก๏ธ Based on your identity and the security policy
๐ 3 Essential Properties (Must-Haves):
Tamperproof โ Canโt be modified by unauthorized users
Always Invoked โ No way to bypass it
Verifiable โ Must be small/simple enough to audit (e.g., Trusted Computing Base)
๐ Reference Monitor + ACLs:
ACL = a list attached to an object (like a file), showing who can do what.
Reference Monitor uses that list to enforce decisions:
๐งช Example:
File: payroll.csv
ACL:
- Alice: read, write
- Bob: read
- Eve: no access
If Eve tries to open it โ โ Denied
If Bob tries to write โ โ Denied
If Alice reads โ โ Allowed
๐ง Where It's Used:
Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux)
Firewalls
Database access control
Virtual machines and hypervisors
๐งฉ TL;DR
The Reference Monitor is the enforcer behind access decisions.
It checks who you are, what you want, and whether youโre allowed โ using tools like ACLs to guide its decisions.
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๐ What is File Integrity Monitoring (FIM)?
FIM is a crucial security control that checks files for unauthorized changes โ in real time or at intervals.
๐ก Why it matters:
โ๏ธ Detects tampering or malware
โ๏ธ Protects critical system + config files
โ๏ธ Helps meet compliance (PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc.)
โ๏ธ How it works:
โ Baseline snapshot of files
โ Monitors for changes (hash, perms, ownership)
โ Sends alerts if something looks suspicious
๐ก Tools to try:
OSSEC
AIDE
Tripwire
Wazuh
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Stay alert, stay safe. Integrity matters.
FIM is a crucial security control that checks files for unauthorized changes โ in real time or at intervals.
๐ก Why it matters:
โ๏ธ Detects tampering or malware
โ๏ธ Protects critical system + config files
โ๏ธ Helps meet compliance (PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc.)
โ๏ธ How it works:
โ Baseline snapshot of files
โ Monitors for changes (hash, perms, ownership)
โ Sends alerts if something looks suspicious
๐ก Tools to try:
OSSEC
AIDE
Tripwire
Wazuh
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
๐Boost Us
Stay alert, stay safe. Integrity matters.
๐ฐ Port Scanning: Knocking on Every Digital Door
Before you attack a castle, you find its entrances.
In hacking, those "entrances" are open ports โ and port scanners are how you find them. ๐ฐ๐ฆ
๐ โPort scanning is a common reconnaissance technique used to discover open services and infer vulnerabilities.โ
๐ฏ Why Scan Ports?
To discover:
Which services are running (e.g., SSH, HTTP, FTP)
Which ports are open or filtered
Potential entry points or weak spots
Port scanning helps build a map of the target system โ no exploit needed (yet) ๐
๐ Popular Tools:
๐ nmap โ the OG Swiss Army knife of scanners
โก๏ธ masscan โ scans the entire Internet fast
๐ zmap โ great for large-scale scanning and research
๐งช Scanning Techniques:
๐ TCP SYN Scan: Stealthy and fast (-sS in nmap)
๐ UDP Scan: Slower, but finds services like DNS & SNMP (-sU)
๐งฌ Version Detection: Identify the exact service & version (-sV)
๐ญ OS Detection: Guess the operating system (-O)
Example:
โ ๏ธ Use Responsibly:
Port scanning can be noisy โ some firewalls log and block it
It may be illegal without permission
Good attackers hide in plain sight; good defenders watch for these scans ๐
๐งฉ TL;DR
Port scanners are the binoculars of the cyber battlefield.
They donโt break in โ they just show where the doors are.
#PortScanning #Nmap #Masscan #Reconnaissance #InfoSecTube
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Before you attack a castle, you find its entrances.
In hacking, those "entrances" are open ports โ and port scanners are how you find them. ๐ฐ๐ฆ
๐ โPort scanning is a common reconnaissance technique used to discover open services and infer vulnerabilities.โ
๐ฏ Why Scan Ports?
To discover:
Which services are running (e.g., SSH, HTTP, FTP)
Which ports are open or filtered
Potential entry points or weak spots
Port scanning helps build a map of the target system โ no exploit needed (yet) ๐
๐ Popular Tools:
๐ nmap โ the OG Swiss Army knife of scanners
โก๏ธ masscan โ scans the entire Internet fast
๐ zmap โ great for large-scale scanning and research
๐งช Scanning Techniques:
๐ TCP SYN Scan: Stealthy and fast (-sS in nmap)
๐ UDP Scan: Slower, but finds services like DNS & SNMP (-sU)
๐งฌ Version Detection: Identify the exact service & version (-sV)
๐ญ OS Detection: Guess the operating system (-O)
Example:
nmap -sS -sV -O target.com
โ ๏ธ Use Responsibly:
Port scanning can be noisy โ some firewalls log and block it
It may be illegal without permission
Good attackers hide in plain sight; good defenders watch for these scans ๐
๐งฉ TL;DR
Port scanners are the binoculars of the cyber battlefield.
They donโt break in โ they just show where the doors are.
#PortScanning #Nmap #Masscan #Reconnaissance #InfoSecTube
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
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๐ก Real-World Example: Packet Filter Firewall
Think of this as a basic bouncer at your networkโs front door โ checking IDs but not knowing much beyond the basics. ๐ช๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
๐ Example:
Linux iptables
BSD pf (packet filter)
๐ Simple Rule Example:
This means:
โ Block any TCP traffic headed to port 23 (Telnet) on host 192.168.1.10 โ no questions asked.
โ๏ธ How It Works:
Filters based on source IP, destination IP, and port
No knowledge of session state or application behavior
Fast and lightweight, but limited in understanding context
๐ Limitations:
Canโt track if the connection is legitimate or part of an ongoing session
Doesnโt inspect the payload or application-level data
Vulnerable to spoofing or more advanced attacks
๐งฉ TL;DR
Packet filters are your networkโs gatekeepers with a simple checklist โ good for basic traffic control, but not much else.
#Firewall #PacketFilter #iptables #BSDpf #NetworkSecurity #InfoSecTube
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
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Think of this as a basic bouncer at your networkโs front door โ checking IDs but not knowing much beyond the basics. ๐ช๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
๐ Example:
Linux iptables
BSD pf (packet filter)
๐ Simple Rule Example:
DROP tcp from any to 192.168.1.10 port 23
This means:
โ Block any TCP traffic headed to port 23 (Telnet) on host 192.168.1.10 โ no questions asked.
โ๏ธ How It Works:
Filters based on source IP, destination IP, and port
No knowledge of session state or application behavior
Fast and lightweight, but limited in understanding context
๐ Limitations:
Canโt track if the connection is legitimate or part of an ongoing session
Doesnโt inspect the payload or application-level data
Vulnerable to spoofing or more advanced attacks
๐งฉ TL;DR
Packet filters are your networkโs gatekeepers with a simple checklist โ good for basic traffic control, but not much else.
#Firewall #PacketFilter #iptables #BSDpf #NetworkSecurity #InfoSecTube
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
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2โค1
๐ข New Research on arXiv
Implementing Zero Trust Architecture to Enhance Security and Resilience in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
๐ Explores how Zero Trust can protect pharma supply chains from cyber threats, improve resilience, and secure sensitive drug data.
๐ Read here: arxiv.org/abs/2508.15776
#CyberSecurity #ZeroTrust #Pharma #SupplyChain
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Implementing Zero Trust Architecture to Enhance Security and Resilience in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
๐ Explores how Zero Trust can protect pharma supply chains from cyber threats, improve resilience, and secure sensitive drug data.
๐ Read here: arxiv.org/abs/2508.15776
#CyberSecurity #ZeroTrust #Pharma #SupplyChain
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
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arXiv.org
Implementing Zero Trust Architecture to Enhance Security and...
The pharmaceutical supply chain faces escalating cybersecurity challenges threatening patient safety and operational continuity. This paper examines the transformative potential of zero trust...
๐พ How to Reduce File System I/O Costs
Disk I/O is expensive. ๐ข Itโs one of the slowest parts of your system.
Reducing file system I/O = faster performance + longer SSD lifespan + happier users ๐ฅ
๐ง Why I/O Is Expensive:
Disk operations (even on SSDs) are slower than CPU or memory
Repeated reads/writes = bottlenecks
High I/O = more power usage, more wear on hardware
๐ง Strategies to Reduce I/O Costs:
โก๏ธ Use Caching
Cache frequently accessed data in RAM
Use tools like memcached, Redis, or even in-app memory
OS does this too via page cache
๐ฆ Batch I/O Operations
Avoid small, frequent writes โ buffer them and write in bulk
Example: Logging every second? Buffer logs & flush every few minutes
๐ซ Avoid Unnecessary Reads/Writes
Donโt read/write files unless needed
Skip re-saving unchanged files
Use stat() to check timestamps before reprocessing
๐งต Use Asynchronous or Buffered I/O
Async I/O lets you continue work while the system handles I/O in background
Buffered I/O combines multiple reads/writes
๐ Use Efficient File Formats
Binary formats (e.g., Protocol Buffers, HDF5) are often faster to read/write than text formats like JSON/CSV
Smaller files = faster disk access
๐ Use Indexing & Metadata
Instead of scanning entire files, store metadata/indexes for fast lookups
Think: DB indexes, inverted file indexes in search engines
๐ Optimize Access Patterns
Read/write sequentially rather than randomly (especially on HDDs)
Group related reads to minimize disk seeks
๐งน Keep the File System Clean
Avoid fragmentation (on HDDs)
Remove unused temp files
Periodically defragment (if needed)
๐งฉ TL;DR
To reduce file system I/O costs:
โ Cache smartly
โ Batch writes
โ Avoid unnecessary access
โ Use async + efficient formats
โ Optimize how and when you access the disk
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
๐Boost Us
Disk I/O is expensive. ๐ข Itโs one of the slowest parts of your system.
Reducing file system I/O = faster performance + longer SSD lifespan + happier users ๐ฅ
๐ง Why I/O Is Expensive:
Disk operations (even on SSDs) are slower than CPU or memory
Repeated reads/writes = bottlenecks
High I/O = more power usage, more wear on hardware
๐ง Strategies to Reduce I/O Costs:
โก๏ธ Use Caching
Cache frequently accessed data in RAM
Use tools like memcached, Redis, or even in-app memory
OS does this too via page cache
๐ฆ Batch I/O Operations
Avoid small, frequent writes โ buffer them and write in bulk
Example: Logging every second? Buffer logs & flush every few minutes
๐ซ Avoid Unnecessary Reads/Writes
Donโt read/write files unless needed
Skip re-saving unchanged files
Use stat() to check timestamps before reprocessing
๐งต Use Asynchronous or Buffered I/O
Async I/O lets you continue work while the system handles I/O in background
Buffered I/O combines multiple reads/writes
๐ Use Efficient File Formats
Binary formats (e.g., Protocol Buffers, HDF5) are often faster to read/write than text formats like JSON/CSV
Smaller files = faster disk access
๐ Use Indexing & Metadata
Instead of scanning entire files, store metadata/indexes for fast lookups
Think: DB indexes, inverted file indexes in search engines
๐ Optimize Access Patterns
Read/write sequentially rather than randomly (especially on HDDs)
Group related reads to minimize disk seeks
๐งน Keep the File System Clean
Avoid fragmentation (on HDDs)
Remove unused temp files
Periodically defragment (if needed)
๐งฉ TL;DR
To reduce file system I/O costs:
โ Cache smartly
โ Batch writes
โ Avoid unnecessary access
โ Use async + efficient formats
โ Optimize how and when you access the disk
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
๐Boost Us
๐ฅ Exploitation Tools: Turning Holes into Access
Finding a vulnerability is one thing...
Using it to break in? Thatโs where the real magic (and danger) begins. ๐ฉ๐
๐ โOnce vulnerabilities are discovered, exploitation tools execute payloads to achieve control over the system.โ
๐ฏ What Do Exploitation Tools Do?
They take a vulnerability โ like an open window โ and use it to:
๐ Get inside the system
๐ช Escalate privileges
๐ฏ Drop backdoors, shells, or remote access
Itโs the hackerโs way of saying: โIโm in.โ
๐งช Examples in the Wild:
๐ฃ Metasploit payloads like reverse_tcp to gain a shell back to the attacker
๐ Custom shellcode injectors that load payloads into memory
โ ๏ธ Buffer overflow scripts that overwrite return addresses and hijack execution
๐ฆ Dropping a meterpreter session and pivoting across the network
๐ง Why Itโs Powerful:
Lets you prove impact โ showing that the vuln is exploitable
Great for red teams, CTFs, and training labs
Helps defenders understand attacker techniques by walking in their shoes
โ Risks & Caveats:
Can crash systems if misused ๐ต
Should only be used in legal, controlled environments
Payloads can be detected by antivirus/EDR if not obfuscated
๐งฉ TL;DR
Exploitation tools arenโt just for proof of concept โ theyโre the bridge from finding to owning.
One buffer overflow. One payload. Full control. Game on. ๐ฎ๐ป
#Exploitation #Metasploit #Shellcode #BufferOverflow #OffensiveSecurity #InfoSecTube
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Finding a vulnerability is one thing...
Using it to break in? Thatโs where the real magic (and danger) begins. ๐ฉ๐
๐ โOnce vulnerabilities are discovered, exploitation tools execute payloads to achieve control over the system.โ
๐ฏ What Do Exploitation Tools Do?
They take a vulnerability โ like an open window โ and use it to:
๐ Get inside the system
๐ช Escalate privileges
๐ฏ Drop backdoors, shells, or remote access
Itโs the hackerโs way of saying: โIโm in.โ
๐งช Examples in the Wild:
๐ฃ Metasploit payloads like reverse_tcp to gain a shell back to the attacker
๐ Custom shellcode injectors that load payloads into memory
โ ๏ธ Buffer overflow scripts that overwrite return addresses and hijack execution
๐ฆ Dropping a meterpreter session and pivoting across the network
๐ง Why Itโs Powerful:
Lets you prove impact โ showing that the vuln is exploitable
Great for red teams, CTFs, and training labs
Helps defenders understand attacker techniques by walking in their shoes
โ Risks & Caveats:
Can crash systems if misused ๐ต
Should only be used in legal, controlled environments
Payloads can be detected by antivirus/EDR if not obfuscated
๐งฉ TL;DR
Exploitation tools arenโt just for proof of concept โ theyโre the bridge from finding to owning.
One buffer overflow. One payload. Full control. Game on. ๐ฎ๐ป
#Exploitation #Metasploit #Shellcode #BufferOverflow #OffensiveSecurity #InfoSecTube
๐ฏ@InfoSecTube
๐YouTube channel
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๐จ Base + Offset Addressing: Your Personalized Hotel in RAM
How does the OS keep multiple processes from stepping on each otherโs memory?
It gives each one its own hallway โ thanks to the Base + Offset model.
๐ Concept (Hotel Analogy):
Each process thinks it starts at Room 0.
But the OS assigns it a base address โ the real start of its hallway.
๐งณ Base = Where the OS starts your room in memory
๐ถ Offset = How far you walk from your own โRoom 0โ
๐ Actual address = base + offset
๐งฎ Example:
Base = 1000 (OS starts your hallway at address 1000)
Offset = 50 (you access Room 50 in your world)
Result: Youโre really in physical address 1050
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
Base + Offset = Personalized Hotel Rooming
Each process lives in its own virtual hotel hallway.
Offset = how far you walk
Base = where your hallway really begins
๐ Used in:
โ Memory protection
โ Process isolation
โ Virtual memory mapping
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How does the OS keep multiple processes from stepping on each otherโs memory?
It gives each one its own hallway โ thanks to the Base + Offset model.
๐ Concept (Hotel Analogy):
Each process thinks it starts at Room 0.
But the OS assigns it a base address โ the real start of its hallway.
๐งณ Base = Where the OS starts your room in memory
๐ถ Offset = How far you walk from your own โRoom 0โ
๐ Actual address = base + offset
๐งฎ Example:
Base = 1000 (OS starts your hallway at address 1000)
Offset = 50 (you access Room 50 in your world)
Result: Youโre really in physical address 1050
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
Base + Offset = Personalized Hotel Rooming
Each process lives in its own virtual hotel hallway.
Offset = how far you walk
Base = where your hallway really begins
๐ Used in:
โ Memory protection
โ Process isolation
โ Virtual memory mapping
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๐ง Hash Functions in Action: Why These 3 Properties Matter
Hash functions are everywhere โ but how do they actually protect our systems?
๐ 1. Pre-image Resistance
Given a hash h, it should be hard to find a message m such that H(m) = h.
๐งช Real-World Use Cases:
โ Password Hashing (/etc/shadow, bcrypt)
โ Hashed Commitments (e.g., votes, auctions)
โ Digital Signatures (when only the hash is visible)
๐ก Why it matters:
Prevents attackers from reversing a hash to recover sensitive data like passwords or committed values.
๐ 2. Second Pre-image Resistance
Given message mโ, it should be hard to find mโ โ mโ such that H(mโ) = H(mโ).
๐งช Real-World Use Cases:
โ Software Update Validation
โ Authenticated Backups
โ Code Signing
๐ก Why it matters:
Stops an attacker from replacing legit files with malicious ones that hash the same โ preserving integrity.
๐ 3. Collision Resistance
Hard to find any two messages mโ โ mโ where H(mโ) = H(mโ).
๐งช Real-World Use Cases:
โ Digital Signatures (TLS, DocuSign)
โ Certificate Authorities (X.509 certs)
โ Merkle Trees in Blockchains
๐ก Why it matters:
If two different messages hash the same, a signature could be reused to falsely validate a forged document or cert.
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Hash functions are everywhere โ but how do they actually protect our systems?
๐ 1. Pre-image Resistance
Given a hash h, it should be hard to find a message m such that H(m) = h.
๐งช Real-World Use Cases:
โ Password Hashing (/etc/shadow, bcrypt)
โ Hashed Commitments (e.g., votes, auctions)
โ Digital Signatures (when only the hash is visible)
๐ก Why it matters:
Prevents attackers from reversing a hash to recover sensitive data like passwords or committed values.
๐ 2. Second Pre-image Resistance
Given message mโ, it should be hard to find mโ โ mโ such that H(mโ) = H(mโ).
๐งช Real-World Use Cases:
โ Software Update Validation
โ Authenticated Backups
โ Code Signing
๐ก Why it matters:
Stops an attacker from replacing legit files with malicious ones that hash the same โ preserving integrity.
๐ 3. Collision Resistance
Hard to find any two messages mโ โ mโ where H(mโ) = H(mโ).
๐งช Real-World Use Cases:
โ Digital Signatures (TLS, DocuSign)
โ Certificate Authorities (X.509 certs)
โ Merkle Trees in Blockchains
๐ก Why it matters:
If two different messages hash the same, a signature could be reused to falsely validate a forged document or cert.
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๐ Segmentation: Memory as a Binder with Tabs
Ever open a binder and accidentally rip a page from the wrong section?
Thatโs what Segmentation Faults are all about. Let's break it down. ๐
๐ Concept (Binder Analogy):
Memory is divided like a binder with colored segments:
๐ต Code = Blue section (read-only)
๐ด Stack = Red section (grows downward)
๐ข Heap = Green section (grows upward)
Each segment has:
A base address (start)
A limit (length)
Go past the limit? ๐ Segmentation Fault!
๐งฎ Example:
๐ฅ Stack segment:
Starts at 8000, size = 1000
You try to access 9200
โก๏ธ Invalid! Thatโs past the limit โ ๐ฅ segfault
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
๐ Segmentation = Binder with Colored Tabs
Each tab is a segment. Stay inside your section โ no trespassing!
๐ Used in:
โ Early memory management
โ Isolating code, data, and stack
โ Raising segmentation faults for safety
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Ever open a binder and accidentally rip a page from the wrong section?
Thatโs what Segmentation Faults are all about. Let's break it down. ๐
๐ Concept (Binder Analogy):
Memory is divided like a binder with colored segments:
๐ต Code = Blue section (read-only)
๐ด Stack = Red section (grows downward)
๐ข Heap = Green section (grows upward)
Each segment has:
A base address (start)
A limit (length)
Go past the limit? ๐ Segmentation Fault!
๐งฎ Example:
๐ฅ Stack segment:
Starts at 8000, size = 1000
You try to access 9200
โก๏ธ Invalid! Thatโs past the limit โ ๐ฅ segfault
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
๐ Segmentation = Binder with Colored Tabs
Each tab is a segment. Stay inside your section โ no trespassing!
๐ Used in:
โ Early memory management
โ Isolating code, data, and stack
โ Raising segmentation faults for safety
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๐ฆ Paging: Disorganized Warehouse, Smart Access
Paging breaks memory into small blocks so the OS can place them anywhere โ and still keep things fast and safe.
๐ Concept (Warehouse Analogy):
๐ Page = An item on your shopping list (virtual memory)
๐ฆ Frame = A box in the physical warehouse (RAM)
๐บ Page Table = A smart map that tells you where each item went
The OS can scatter your memory all over the warehouse โ you never notice!
๐งฎ Example:
Page size = 4KB
Virtual Page 2 โ mapped to Physical Frame 7
Virtual address = 2 ร 4KB = 8192
Physical address = 7 ร 4KB = 28672
The page table makes this mapping seamless ๐
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
Paging = Disorganized Warehouse + Smart List
Your memory is all over the place, but thanks to the page table, itโs organized on demand.
๐ Used In:
โ Virtual memory
โ Swapping and demand paging
โ OS memory isolation
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Paging breaks memory into small blocks so the OS can place them anywhere โ and still keep things fast and safe.
๐ Concept (Warehouse Analogy):
๐ Page = An item on your shopping list (virtual memory)
๐ฆ Frame = A box in the physical warehouse (RAM)
๐บ Page Table = A smart map that tells you where each item went
The OS can scatter your memory all over the warehouse โ you never notice!
๐งฎ Example:
Page size = 4KB
Virtual Page 2 โ mapped to Physical Frame 7
Virtual address = 2 ร 4KB = 8192
Physical address = 7 ร 4KB = 28672
The page table makes this mapping seamless ๐
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
Paging = Disorganized Warehouse + Smart List
Your memory is all over the place, but thanks to the page table, itโs organized on demand.
๐ Used In:
โ Virtual memory
โ Swapping and demand paging
โ OS memory isolation
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๐ช Swapping: Desk Overflow โ Drawer
Your RAM is limited, but apps want more.
The OS handles this by swapping โ moving things in and out like a pro organizer.
๐ Concept (Desk Analogy):
๐พ RAM = Your desk (fast, but limited space)
๐ Disk = The drawer (slower, but roomy)
๐ง OS = You, deciding what to keep on the desk
When memory is tight, the OS swaps out less-used pages to disk.
When needed again, it swaps them back in = a page fault occurs.
๐งฎ Example:
Chrome is idle โ OS moves its memory pages to disk
You click Chrome โ OS loads them back into RAM
This keeps things running, even when RAM is full ๐
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
Swapping = Desk Overflow โ Drawer
Only the active pages stay on the desk.
Everything else waits in the drawer until needed.
๐ Used In:
โ Virtual memory systems
โ Multitasking OS (Linux, Windows, macOS)
โ Memory overcommit situations
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Your RAM is limited, but apps want more.
The OS handles this by swapping โ moving things in and out like a pro organizer.
๐ Concept (Desk Analogy):
๐พ RAM = Your desk (fast, but limited space)
๐ Disk = The drawer (slower, but roomy)
๐ง OS = You, deciding what to keep on the desk
When memory is tight, the OS swaps out less-used pages to disk.
When needed again, it swaps them back in = a page fault occurs.
๐งฎ Example:
Chrome is idle โ OS moves its memory pages to disk
You click Chrome โ OS loads them back into RAM
This keeps things running, even when RAM is full ๐
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
Swapping = Desk Overflow โ Drawer
Only the active pages stay on the desk.
Everything else waits in the drawer until needed.
๐ Used In:
โ Virtual memory systems
โ Multitasking OS (Linux, Windows, macOS)
โ Memory overcommit situations
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๐ Temporal Locality: Time-Based Memory Optimization
โIf I used it recently, Iโll probably use it again soon.โ
Thatโs the idea behind Temporal Locality โ and itโs a key reason why CPU caches exist.
๐ Definition:
When a memory location is accessed, itโs likely to be accessed again soon.
๐ง The system keeps recently used data close to the CPU (in cache), reducing the need to fetch it from RAM again.
๐งช Real Code Example (C):
Here, the variable total is updated in every loop iteration.
Itโs reused often, so it benefits from temporal locality โ staying hot in cache for fast access ๐ฅ
๐ฆ Analogy:
โ๏ธ You keep your coffee mug on your desk because you use it often.
No need to walk to the kitchen every time.
Your CPU cache is that desk.
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Speeds up loops and function calls
โ Enables efficient caching strategies
โ Reduces memory latency
#TemporalLocality #Caching #CPUPerformance #MemoryOptimization #OSConcepts #InfoSecTube
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โIf I used it recently, Iโll probably use it again soon.โ
Thatโs the idea behind Temporal Locality โ and itโs a key reason why CPU caches exist.
๐ Definition:
When a memory location is accessed, itโs likely to be accessed again soon.
๐ง The system keeps recently used data close to the CPU (in cache), reducing the need to fetch it from RAM again.
๐งช Real Code Example (C):
int total = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < 100; i++) {
total += array[i];
}
Here, the variable total is updated in every loop iteration.
Itโs reused often, so it benefits from temporal locality โ staying hot in cache for fast access ๐ฅ
๐ฆ Analogy:
โ๏ธ You keep your coffee mug on your desk because you use it often.
No need to walk to the kitchen every time.
Your CPU cache is that desk.
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Speeds up loops and function calls
โ Enables efficient caching strategies
โ Reduces memory latency
#TemporalLocality #Caching #CPUPerformance #MemoryOptimization #OSConcepts #InfoSecTube
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๐งญ Spatial Locality: Location-Based Memory Optimization
โIf I use this, Iโll probably use its neighbors too.โ
Thatโs the intuition behind Spatial Locality โ another reason CPU caches are powerful.
๐ Definition:
If a memory location is accessed, nearby memory locations are likely to be accessed soon.
๐ง This helps the CPU prefetch adjacent data into the cache โ speeding up sequential access.
๐งช Real Code Example (C):
You're accessing array[0], then array[1], then array[2]...
Since arrays are stored contiguously in memory, the CPU loads entire blocks efficiently thanks to spatial locality.
๐ฆ Analogy:
๐งณ You open your suitcase to grab clothes.
Shirts, pants, and socks are packed next to each other, so you grab them in order, not randomly.
Thatโs spatial locality at work!
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Speeds up loops and data traversal
โ Enables cache line efficiency
โ Perfect for array-heavy computations
#SpatialLocality #MemoryAccess #CPUCache #PerformanceOptimization #OSConcepts #InfoSecTube
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โIf I use this, Iโll probably use its neighbors too.โ
Thatโs the intuition behind Spatial Locality โ another reason CPU caches are powerful.
๐ Definition:
If a memory location is accessed, nearby memory locations are likely to be accessed soon.
๐ง This helps the CPU prefetch adjacent data into the cache โ speeding up sequential access.
๐งช Real Code Example (C):
for (int i = 0; i < 100; i++) {
sum += array[i];
}You're accessing array[0], then array[1], then array[2]...
Since arrays are stored contiguously in memory, the CPU loads entire blocks efficiently thanks to spatial locality.
๐ฆ Analogy:
๐งณ You open your suitcase to grab clothes.
Shirts, pants, and socks are packed next to each other, so you grab them in order, not randomly.
Thatโs spatial locality at work!
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Speeds up loops and data traversal
โ Enables cache line efficiency
โ Perfect for array-heavy computations
#SpatialLocality #MemoryAccess #CPUCache #PerformanceOptimization #OSConcepts #InfoSecTube
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๐ Function Call: Your Code Talking to Itself
A function call is like asking another part of your program to do something for you โ and give you back the result.
๐ What Is It?
A function call jumps to another section of your own code and comes back with a return value.
โ Happens entirely in user space
โ No OS or kernel involvement
๐ง It's just you calling yourself (internally)!
๐งช Real Code Example (C):
The call to square(5) jumps to that function, executes the code, and returns with the value 25.
๐ง How It Works (Simplified):
Save where you are
Jump to function
Execute
Return to where you were
All handled by the CPU and call stack!
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Organizes code
โ Enables reuse and modular design
โ Essential for recursion, libraries, algorithms
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A function call is like asking another part of your program to do something for you โ and give you back the result.
๐ What Is It?
A function call jumps to another section of your own code and comes back with a return value.
โ Happens entirely in user space
โ No OS or kernel involvement
๐ง It's just you calling yourself (internally)!
๐งช Real Code Example (C):
int square(int x) {
return x * x;
}
int result = square(5); // Function callThe call to square(5) jumps to that function, executes the code, and returns with the value 25.
๐ง How It Works (Simplified):
Save where you are
Jump to function
Execute
Return to where you were
All handled by the CPU and call stack!
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Organizes code
โ Enables reuse and modular design
โ Essential for recursion, libraries, algorithms
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๐ง Library Call: Pre-Built Tools for Your Code
A library call is when your program uses a function from a standard library, like libc.
Itโs still in user space, just not written by you.
๐ What Is It?
A library call is a function defined in a shared or static library, reused across programs.
โ Still runs in user space
โ No OS involvement unless it internally calls a system call
๐ก Great for common tasks like string manipulation, math, file I/O helpers, etc.
๐งช Example (C):
This function is defined in libc.so (shared library), and your program links to it โ you don't reimplement it.
๐ Library Call โ System Call
strcpy() = โ Library call (just copies memory)
read() or open() = โ System calls (needs OS help)
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Saves time (donโt reinvent the wheel)
โ Promotes code reuse and performance
โ Keeps user space programs fast and clean
#LibraryCall #Libc #UserSpace #ProgrammingConcepts #InfoSecTube
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A library call is when your program uses a function from a standard library, like libc.
Itโs still in user space, just not written by you.
๐ What Is It?
A library call is a function defined in a shared or static library, reused across programs.
โ Still runs in user space
โ No OS involvement unless it internally calls a system call
๐ก Great for common tasks like string manipulation, math, file I/O helpers, etc.
๐งช Example (C):
#include <string.h>
strcpy(dest, src); // โ Library call from libc
This function is defined in libc.so (shared library), and your program links to it โ you don't reimplement it.
๐ Library Call โ System Call
strcpy() = โ Library call (just copies memory)
read() or open() = โ System calls (needs OS help)
๐ Why It Matters:
โ Saves time (donโt reinvent the wheel)
โ Promotes code reuse and performance
โ Keeps user space programs fast and clean
#LibraryCall #Libc #UserSpace #ProgrammingConcepts #InfoSecTube
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๐๐ How Browser Certificates Work (and Why Intermediate CAs Exist)
You see that little ๐ lock in your browser and feel safe...
But behind the scenes, thereโs a full trust ceremony happening โ and Intermediate CAs play a starring role. ๐ญ๐
๐ โBrowsers trust certificates by verifying they are signed by a trusted authority through a chain of trust, often involving intermediate certificate authorities.โ
๐ง Letโs Break It Down:
When you visit a site like https://secure.bank.com, hereโs what your browser does:
๐ฅ Receives the siteโs leaf certificate (signed for secure.bank.com)
๐ Checks the issuer โ who signed it?
๐งฌ Follows the chain of trust:
The site cert was signed by an Intermediate CA
That Intermediate CA was signed by a Root CA
The Root CA is in your browserโs trusted store
โ If all checks pass, you see the lock ๐
๐จ If something breaks (expired, self-signed, mismatched), you get a warning
๐ก Why Not Let Root CAs Sign Everything Directly?
Because:
๐ก Security โ Root CAs are super-trusted and rarely touched. If compromised = global disaster
๐งฑ Scalability โ Intermediate CAs can be issued for specific companies, countries, or use cases
๐ Flexibility โ You can revoke or rotate intermediates without touching the root
๐ผ Delegation โ Allows big orgs to issue their own certs under a public chain
๐งช Example Certificate Chain:
Your browser only needs to trust DigiCert Global Root CA, and itโll validate the rest.
๐ Want to See It Live?
In Chrome: Click the ๐ โ "Connection is secure" โ "Certificate is valid" โ View the chain
Or use:
๐งฉ TL;DR
Your browser uses certificates to verify the identity of websites.
Intermediate CAs add security, scalability, and structure โ so Root CAs donโt have to sign everything directly.
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You see that little ๐ lock in your browser and feel safe...
But behind the scenes, thereโs a full trust ceremony happening โ and Intermediate CAs play a starring role. ๐ญ๐
๐ โBrowsers trust certificates by verifying they are signed by a trusted authority through a chain of trust, often involving intermediate certificate authorities.โ
๐ง Letโs Break It Down:
When you visit a site like https://secure.bank.com, hereโs what your browser does:
๐ฅ Receives the siteโs leaf certificate (signed for secure.bank.com)
๐ Checks the issuer โ who signed it?
๐งฌ Follows the chain of trust:
The site cert was signed by an Intermediate CA
That Intermediate CA was signed by a Root CA
The Root CA is in your browserโs trusted store
โ If all checks pass, you see the lock ๐
๐จ If something breaks (expired, self-signed, mismatched), you get a warning
๐ก Why Not Let Root CAs Sign Everything Directly?
Because:
๐ก Security โ Root CAs are super-trusted and rarely touched. If compromised = global disaster
๐งฑ Scalability โ Intermediate CAs can be issued for specific companies, countries, or use cases
๐ Flexibility โ You can revoke or rotate intermediates without touching the root
๐ผ Delegation โ Allows big orgs to issue their own certs under a public chain
๐งช Example Certificate Chain:
secure.bank.com (Leaf Certificate)
โคท Signed by DigiCert Secure Server CA (Intermediate)
โคท Signed by DigiCert Global Root CA (Root)
Your browser only needs to trust DigiCert Global Root CA, and itโll validate the rest.
๐ Want to See It Live?
In Chrome: Click the ๐ โ "Connection is secure" โ "Certificate is valid" โ View the chain
Or use:
openssl s_client -connect secure.bank.com:443
๐งฉ TL;DR
Your browser uses certificates to verify the identity of websites.
Intermediate CAs add security, scalability, and structure โ so Root CAs donโt have to sign everything directly.
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๐ System Call: Talking to the Kernel
A system call is your program saying:
๐ฃ "Hey OS, I need your help โ Iโm not allowed to do this on my own!"
๐ What Is It?
A system call (syscall) is a request from a user-space program to the kernel to perform a privileged action (like accessing hardware, files, or devices).
๐ User mode โ Kernel mode
๐ Happens via a trap or interrupt
๐งช Example (C):
You canโt write directly to screen (fd 1 = stdout)
So you ask the OS via write(), which triggers a syscall.
๐ Why Syscalls Exist:
โ Apps can't directly:
Access the disk
Talk to network interfaces
Allocate physical memory
โ Instead, they request the OS to do it safely.
๐ Common System Calls:
read(), write(), open(), close()
fork(), exec(), wait()
mmap(), kill(), getpid()
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
System call = asking the OS gatekeeper for access to powerful tools
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A system call is your program saying:
๐ฃ "Hey OS, I need your help โ Iโm not allowed to do this on my own!"
๐ What Is It?
A system call (syscall) is a request from a user-space program to the kernel to perform a privileged action (like accessing hardware, files, or devices).
๐ User mode โ Kernel mode
๐ Happens via a trap or interrupt
๐งช Example (C):
#include <unistd.h>
write(1, "Hi\n", 3); // โ System call
You canโt write directly to screen (fd 1 = stdout)
So you ask the OS via write(), which triggers a syscall.
๐ Why Syscalls Exist:
โ Apps can't directly:
Access the disk
Talk to network interfaces
Allocate physical memory
โ Instead, they request the OS to do it safely.
๐ Common System Calls:
read(), write(), open(), close()
fork(), exec(), wait()
mmap(), kill(), getpid()
๐ง Smart Trick to Remember:
System call = asking the OS gatekeeper for access to powerful tools
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๐ง What Is the Page Cache?
The page cache is a clever trick the Linux kernel uses to make disk access blazing fast โ by keeping frequently used files in RAM. ๐ง โก๏ธ
๐ Definition:
The page cache is part of RAM where Linux caches disk file contents to avoid repeated slow reads/writes from the disk.
๐งฐ Purpose:
Speed up file access
Reduce disk I/O
Improve overall performance
๐งช Example (Terminal):
๐น First time:
Linux loads bigfile.txt from disk โ stores it in the page cache (slow but cached now)
๐น Second time:
cat reads the file directly from RAM (super fast)
๐ฆ Analogy:
๐ Disk = File cabinet
๐ช Page cache = Your desk
You pull files (pages) once from the drawerโฆ then just reuse them from your desk.
Faster, smarter โ thatโs caching! ๐ก
๐ Tools to Observe Page Cache:
free -h โ Look at "cached"
vmstat, htop, or cat /proc/meminfo
#PageCache #LinuxPerformance #Caching #KernelTricks #FileSystem #InfoSecTube
The page cache is a clever trick the Linux kernel uses to make disk access blazing fast โ by keeping frequently used files in RAM. ๐ง โก๏ธ
๐ Definition:
The page cache is part of RAM where Linux caches disk file contents to avoid repeated slow reads/writes from the disk.
๐งฐ Purpose:
Speed up file access
Reduce disk I/O
Improve overall performance
๐งช Example (Terminal):
cat bigfile.txt
๐น First time:
Linux loads bigfile.txt from disk โ stores it in the page cache (slow but cached now)
๐น Second time:
cat reads the file directly from RAM (super fast)
๐ฆ Analogy:
๐ Disk = File cabinet
๐ช Page cache = Your desk
You pull files (pages) once from the drawerโฆ then just reuse them from your desk.
Faster, smarter โ thatโs caching! ๐ก
๐ Tools to Observe Page Cache:
free -h โ Look at "cached"
vmstat, htop, or cat /proc/meminfo
#PageCache #LinuxPerformance #Caching #KernelTricks #FileSystem #InfoSecTube
โค1