Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why disable ssh login with root on a server if I only log in with keys, not password? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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On a server I have a public key auth only for root account. Is there any point of logging in with a different account?

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

It's another slice of Swiss cheese. If the user has a strong enough password or other authentication method through PAM, it might stop or hinder an attacker who might only have a compromised private key, for example. If multiple users have access to the same server and one of them is compromised, the account can be disabled without completely crippling the system.

Using sudo can also help you avoid mistakes (like accidentally rebooting a production server) by restricting which commands are available to the user.