How does a sandbox improve security?

A sandbox improves security by isolating unknown code to observe its behavior. This controlled environment enables security professionals to analyze potentially harmful programs without risking the integrity of the entire system or network. When suspicious files or applications are executed within a sandbox, they are kept separate from the operating system and critical data. This isolation allows for the safe monitoring of how the code behaves—whether it tries to access sensitive information, modify system settings, or communicate with external servers.

Observing the behavior of unknown code in a sandbox can help identify new strains of malware, zero-day exploits, or other security threats that might not yet have been caught by traditional antivirus solutions. It also provides valuable insight that can be used to develop better detection and response strategies for future threats, ultimately strengthening overall security posture.