This part of the book provides a basic introduction to Unix host
security. The chapters in this part are designed to be accessible to
both users and administrators.
Chapter 4, is about Unix user accounts. It
discusses the purpose of passwords, explains what makes good and bad
passwords, and describes how the crypt( )
password encryption system works.
Chapter 5, describes how Unix groups can be used
to control access to files and devices. It also discusses the Unix
superuser and the role that special users play. This chapter also
introduces the Pluggable Authentication Module (PAM) system.
Chapter 6, discusses the security provisions of
the Unix filesystem and tells how to restrict access to files and
directories to the file's owner, to a group of
people, or to everybody using the computer system.
Chapter 7, discusses the role of encryption and
message digests in protecting your security.
Chapter 8. What if somebody gets frustrated by
your super-secure system and decides to smash your computer with a
sledgehammer? This chapter describes physical perils that face your
computer and its data and discusses ways of protecting against them.
Chapter 9, explores who you employ and how they
fit into your overall security scheme.
