CACHEBOX’s security hardened Linux based operating system (OS) is a custom-built appliance ‘distribution’, developed by ApplianSys to maximise security and reliability. The OS has been stripped clean and locked down:
- Programs, services and files found on a standard Linux distribution that are not required for a cache appliance are removed. This makes CACHEBOX more secure and boot faster than a standard Linux server.
- A fully configurable firewall allows access to the appliance to be restricted, with tight control of which ports are open, blocking different applications
- It also allows CACHEBOX to be deployed as a network gateway, automatically directing web traffic to Squid
- It can act as a NAT (Network Address Translation) server if required
- CACHEBOX uses solid state CFast cards. The “Program Card” holds just the operating system and application software. The card itself is set as read-only, which makes it more secure in the event of unauthorised network access and avoids accidental damage from user errors.
The OS has a small footprint: once booted, it is retained in RAM, making it very fast.
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