Security in a UNIX(TM) System Environment

PAYOFF IDEA. When necessary, UNIX(TM) system installations can be made very secure. However, many installations today are far less secure than they can and should be, in part because of complacency by users and system administrators. Effective security balances user convenience and productivity with protection that is consistent with the value of the protected resources. This article surveys available UNIX(TM) system security protections, discusses the better-known security hazards associated with the UNIX(TM) system, and suggests ways of improving security without greatly diminishing the system's usefulness to its authorized users.