Visible Desktop Security in Trusted Extensions

Trusted Extensions offers two labeled desktops, the Solaris Trusted Extensions (CDE) desktop and the Solaris Trusted Extensions (JDS) desktop.

• The Solaris Trusted Extensions (CDE) desktop appears similar to the following, Figure 1-4.

• The Solaris Trusted Extensions (JDS) desktop appears similar to the following, Figure 1-5.

A system that is configured with Trusted Extensions displays the trusted stripe except during login and screen lock. At all other times, the trusted stripe is visible. In Trusted CDE, the stripe is at the bottom of the screen. In Trusted JDS, the stripe is at the top of the screen. The trusted symbol appears on the trusted stripe when you interact with the trusted computing base. When you change your password, for example, you interact with the TCB.

When the monitors of a multiheaded Trusted Extensions system are configured horizontally, one trusted stripe appears across the monitors. However, if the multiheaded system is configured to display vertically, or has separate desktops, one per monitor, then the trusted stripe appears on one monitor only.

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Caution - If a second trusted stripe appears on a multiheaded system, the stripe is not generated by the operating system. You might have an unauthorized program on your system. Contact your security administrator immediately. To determine the correct trusted stripe, see How to Regain Control of the Desktop’s Current Focus in Trusted Extensions Administrator’s Procedures.

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For details about the applications, menus, labels, and features of the desktop, see Chapter 4, Elements of Trusted Extensions (Reference).