Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for allowing resource control in a UNIX-based system to be done on an aggregate, or group, basis. This enables both access control and accounting to be done in units of groups instead of units of users. This design is upwardly compatible with the current implementation which does resource allocation and accounting in units of users. In addition, the method and system provides greater flexibility in selecting the system availability policy to be enforced. A resource quota scheme is introduced wherein a pooled resource account allows a system administrator to segregate processes into critical/non-critical classifications.

Abstract: The distributed auditing subsystem invention runs in a UNIX-like operating system environment with a hierarchical file system. The invention provides an audit trail of accesses to the objects it protects and maintains and protects that audit trail from modification or unauthorized access or destruction. The audit data generated by the invention is protected so that read access to it is limited to those who are authorized for audit data. The invention enables the recording of events which are relevant to the maintenance of the security of the system, such as the use of identification and authentication mechanisms, the introduction of objects into a user's address space, the deletion of such objects, actions taken by computer operators and system administrators and/or system security officers, and other security relevant events. The invention generates an audit record for each recorded event which includes the date and time of the event, the user, the type of event, and the success or failure of the event.