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Re: [LUG] Linux partitions



On Tuesday 16 October 2001  8:59 pm, kam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote about Re: 
[LUG] Linux partitions:

> Incidentally, why do some books, and I think the Mandrake installer,
> recommend spreading the filesystem over three or four partitions. Is there
> still an argument for this or is it just a hangover from the days (all of
> about three years ago) when you needed to use two or three physical
> disks??
>
> Keith

This comes from "Linux Security Basics in 24hrs (SAMS) 2001":
ISBN: 0672320916
<quote>
Define Multiple Partitions.
It is infinitely more convenient to create a single large partition ....
However, there are a number of security benefits that can be achieved .... 
[by using multiple partitions]
1. Avoid some attacks directly (by having /tmp on a different partition to / )
2. Restrict execution of binaries on some mounted areas (outside /bin)
3. Mount some areas with SUID/SGID disabled
4. Mount some areas as read-only
.... if a cracker is able to get root access by some other means, each can be 
defeated...  However, [these measures] do help to prevent an intruder from 
gaining root-level access in the first place.
</quote>

Seems more appropriate for an internet server than a home machine that 
connects via a modem. Even with broadband (what's that?), if you hide 
everything behind a firewall there is only so much that can be done to harm 
you. If you use a broadband connection to serve a website or provide dial-in 
access, maybe it's more essential.


-- 

Neil Williams
#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#
linux@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
neil@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
neil@xxxxxxxxxxxx
www.codehelp.co.uk


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