Discover LinuxSecurity Features

Meet the Anti-Nmap: PSAD

Meet the Anti-Nmap: PSAD

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

Having a great defense involves proper detection and recognition of an attack. In our security world we have great IDS tools to properly recognize when we are being attacked as well as firewalls to prevent such attacks from happening. However, certain attacks are not blindly thrown at you - a good attacker knows that a certain amount of reconnaissance and knowledge about your defenses greatly increases the chances of a successful attack. How would you know if someone is scanning your defenses? Is there any way to properly respond to such scans? You bet there is...

Ls Banner Linux Demo Video 1628885343
Master's Student: Social Engineering is not just a definition!

Master's Student: Social Engineering is not just a definition!

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

We are happy to announce a new addition to the Linux Security Contributing Team: Gian G. Spicuzza. Currently a Graduate Student pursuing a Masters Degree in Computer Security (MSIA), Gian is a certified Linux/Unix administrator, the lead developer for the OSCAR-Backup System (at Sourceforge.com) and has experience in a variety of CSO, Management and consulting positions.

His first topic is a quick foray into the world and psychology of Social Engineering:

All the security in the world isn't going to stop one of your employees or coworkers from giving up information. Just how easy is it?

Craig never worked for Linda's company, nor did he call from IT. Craig was an unethical hacker who just gained unauthorized access to her account.
Why? Because a phone call is simple.

Read on to see just how easy businesses can be exploited.

Contribute to LinuxSecurity

Don’t sit on the sidelines of history. Join the Linux Security community
and write real news & articles about Linux that matters the most.

Contribute Now
SSH: Best Practices

SSH: Best Practices

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

If you're reading LinuxSecurity.com then it's a safe bet that you are already using SSH, but are you using it in the best way possible? Have you configured it to be as limited and secure as possible?
Read on for my best practices for using Secure Shell.

Security Features of Firefox 3

Security Features of Firefox 3

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

Lets take a look at the security features of Firefox 3. Since its release, I have been testing it out to see how the new security enhancements work and help in increase user browsing security. One of the exciting improvements for me was how Firefox handles SSL secured web sites while browsing the Internet. There are also many other security features that this article will look at. For example, improved plugin and addon security.

Vulnerabilities in Web Applications

Vulnerabilities in Web Applications

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

The Internet has made the world smaller. In our routine usage we tend to overlook that "www" really does mean "world wide web" making virtually instant global communication possible. It has altered the rules of marketing and retailing. An imaginative website can give the small company as much impact and exposure as its much larger competitors. In the electronics, books, travel and banking sectors long established retail chains are increasingly under pressure from e-retailers. All this, however, has come at a price – ever more inventive and potentially damaging cyber crime. This paper aims to raise awareness by discussing common vulnerabilities and mistakes in web application development. It also considers mitigating factors, strategies and corrective measures.

A Secure Nagios Server

A Secure Nagios Server

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

Nagios is a monitoring software designed to let you know about problems on your hosts and networks quickly. You can configure it to be used on any network. Setting up a Nagios server on any Linux distribution is a very quick process however to make it a secure setup it takes some work. This article will not show you how to install Nagios since there are tons of them out there but it will show you in detail ways to improve your Nagios security.

Creating Snort Rules with EnGarde

Creating Snort Rules with EnGarde

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

There are already tons of written Snort rules, but there just might be a time where you need to write one yourself. You can think of writing Snort rules as writing a program. They can include variables, keywords and functions. Why do we need to write rules? The reason is, without rules Snort will never detect someone trying to hack your machine. This HOWTO will give you confidence to write your own rules.

Encrypting Shell Scripts

Encrypting Shell Scripts

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

Do you have scripts that contain sensitive information like passwords and you pretty much depend on file permissions to keep it secure? If so, then that type of security is good provided you keep your system secure and some user doesn't have a "ps -ef" loop running in an attempt to capture that sensitive info (though some applications mask passwords in "ps" output). There is a program called "shc" that can be used to add an extra layer of security to those shell scripts. SHC will encrypt shell scripts using RC4 and make an executable binary out of the shell script and run it as a normal shell script. This utility is great for programs that require a password to either encrypt, decrypt, or require a password that can be passed to a command line argument.

Measuring Security IT Success

Measuring Security IT Success

data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22https://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20100%20100%22%3E%3C/svg%3E

In a time where budgets are constrained and Internet threats are on the rise, it is important for organizations to invest in network security applications that will not only provide them with powerful functionality but also a rapid return on investment.