North Korea's PC Operating System: At a Glance
Two German researchers have revealed that the world's most secure operating system could be Red Star OS. If you've never heard of it, that's probably because it's used only in North Korea.
Florian Grunow and Nikalaus Schiess say that the system, which was created by the country's government, tracks virtually every file a computer user opens or handles. (Source: ccc.de)
The system is widely used on publicly owned computers. Reports from the country say the very few privately owned computers in North Korea are more likely to run Windows XP.
System Uses Open-Source Base
Ironically, given the level of control the North Korean government exercises over its citizens, Red Star OS is based on an open source operating system. It's heavily adapted from Fedora, a system released in 2003 that uses Linux as its core.
The appearance of Red Star OS on screen is effectively a knock-off of the user interface seen on Mac computers. That's thought to be a recent development, with versions of Red Star used before 2013 being much closer in look and feel to Windows.
The system contains a few basic applications such as games, a primitive word processor, video and audio playback, music creation and an email program. There's also a 'web' browser named Naenara, though this can only access a state-run Intranet rather than the world wide web or the wider Internet.
Settings Tweaks Prompt Shutdown
As much as Microsoft has been criticized for 'snooping' in Windows 10, it's nothing close to the level of control built in to Red Star OS, which uses its own custom file encryption. Virtually any attempt to make an operating system adjustment (equivalent to the Control Panel in Windows) will result in an error message or the computer simply rebooting.
There's also a system to "watermark" every copy of every document, both on PCs and memory sticks, making it possible to trace the origin and movement of any file. This isn't so much an anti-piracy measure as a way to discourage people from sharing news and video which contradicts the government's official position. (Source: theguardian.com)
What's Your Opinion?
Are you surprised North Korea is able to exercise such control over computers in the country? Could such control ever be possible in more democratic countries? Do you worry that such measures as the watermarking of files might be introduced elsewhere under the guise of security or anti-piracy controls?
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Comments
Secure ... for now
Given that this operating system runs only in North Korea, there is little opposition towards 'hacking' the system. If the OS was used outside of North Korea, I'm sure it wouldn't be too long until people find loopholes or ways to hack into the system to bypass the security measures. That's par for the course for any 'secure' system. The same can be said about antivirus protection - you're only protected so long as the antivirus can recognize the threat. If not, the threat goes undetected.
Are you surprised North Korea
Are you surprised North Korea is able to exercise such control over computers in the country? No.
Could such control ever be possible in more democratic countries? In the past I would have said no. Now I would answer perhaps.
Do you worry that such measures as the watermarking of files might be introduced elsewhere under the guise of security or anti-piracy controls? Absolutely!
NSA hacks hard drives for spying
That reminds me of a story we published last February where the NSA was accused of hacking hard drive firmware / BIOS of major hard drive manufacturers, just to spy on a few select individuals.