---
type: "term"
title: "Protection Ring Architecture"
description: "The layered privilege model in computing systems (Ring 0 through Ring 3) where each ring represents a different privilege level."
resource: "tlctc:term:protection-ring-architecture"
tags:
  - "glossary"
---
# Protection Ring Architecture

The layered privilege model in computing systems (Ring 0 through Ring 3) where each ring represents a different privilege level. TLCTC framework analyzes threats at ring boundary interactions: Ring 0 (Kernel Mode), Ring 1 (HAL/Driver Level), Ring 2 (OS Services), Ring 3 (User Mode). Nine threat clusters (excluding #9 Social Engineering) apply at each boundary, with roles (client/server) determined by the direction of interaction across rings.

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