A Comment on the "Basic Security Theorem' of Bell and LaPadula

Abstract

Many claim that the security model developed by Bell and LaPadula and used as a basis for numerous prototype military computer systems is superior to others partly because its authors prove a "Basic Security Theorem" that applies to it. This paper shows that the theorem does not support such claims since it can be proven for security models that are obviously not secure. Further, the theorem provides little help to those who design and implement secure systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA462369

Entities

People

  • John A. McLean

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Analogs
  • Classification
  • Clearances
  • Computers
  • Hierarchies
  • Information Operations
  • Information Processing
  • Military Research
  • Security

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Systems Analysis and Design