Definition
Sandboxing is a security technique that isolates an application or process in a controlled environment, preventing it from affecting other parts of the system. This virtual containment acts like a digital sandbox, allowing potentially untrusted code or files to run without risking harm to the host operating system or sensitive data. It works by creating a separate memory space and restricting access to system resources, effectively creating a walled garden for the isolated component. Understanding sandboxing is crucial for defending against malware and analyzing suspicious files, as it allows for safe execution and observation. For instance, many antivirus programs use sandboxing to analyze new threats in a safe, isolated space before determining if they are malicious. While similar to virtualization, sandboxing is typically more lightweight and focused on isolating a single application rather than an entire operating system. This concept is fundamental to cybersecurity and appears on exams like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.