nontrusted

In computing and cybersecurity, the term *nontrusted* refers to components, systems, or processes that lack explicit authorization or verification by a primary authority, such as an operating system, application, or security framework. These elements operate under heightened scrutiny to prevent unauthorized access, data manipulation, or malicious behavior. Nontrusted environments often include user-space applications, third-party software, or external services that do not run with elevated privileges or under strict isolation.

A key distinction in nontrusted systems is their reliance on sandboxing, containment, or restricted permissions to mitigate risks. For example, web browsers operate in nontrusted contexts by default, limiting their ability to modify system files or execute arbitrary code unless explicitly granted permissions. Similarly, containerized applications (such as Docker containers) run in nontrusted environments, where resources are isolated to prevent interference with the host system.

In security architectures, nontrusted components may still be monitored for suspicious activity, often through mechanisms like intrusion detection systems or behavioral analysis. However, their lack of trustworthiness means they are inherently vulnerable to exploits, such as buffer overflows, privilege escalation attacks, or data leaks. Organizations mitigate these risks by enforcing strict access controls, regular audits, and the use of trusted frameworks like sandboxing or hardware security modules (HSMs).

The concept of nontrusted contrasts with *trusted* environments, where systems are explicitly designed to execute with full authority (e.g., kernel mode in operating systems) and are subject to rigorous validation. While nontrusted systems prioritize security through isolation and limited capabilities, their design inherently balances usability with risk management.