DoD Lightweight Portable Security: Secure Remote Access Solution

With all the hundreds of Linux distributions already available for practically every niche and purpose, users of the open source operating system are accustomed to having a wealth of choices. Recently, however, the set of options got even bigger thanks to a brand-new, security-focused Linux distribution from none other than the U.S. Department of Defense. Targeting telecommuters and others who need to access corporate and government networks from less-than-entirely-secure remote locations, Lightweight Portable Security (LPS) is a lightweight Linux distribution that creates a secure end node from just about any Intel-based PC or Mac computer.

Created by the Software Protection Initiative under the direction of the Air Force Research Laboratory and the DoD, the software works by booting a thin Linux operating system from a CD or USB flash stick without mounting a local hard drive. Nothing need be installed, and administrator privileges are not required. Three versions are available: LPS-Public is a general-purpose solution for using Web-based applications; LPS-Public Deluxe adds OpenOffice and Adobe Reader software; and LPS-Remote Access is for accessing organizational private networks.

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