Security under UNIX / Linux

OIT's Network Installation Services offer you a 'hardened' (security conscious) version of Red Hat /Fedora Core/CentOS Linux, Solaris or IRIX . The operating system will be easier to keep up-to-date and in sync with central Boston University services.

With the BU custom operating systems, you can apply patches automatically (or semi-automatically), keep user accounts up-to-date, use Kerberos passwords, and be eligible for OIT backups.

BU Linux (Fedora Core/CentOS based) uses aptomatic, a tool that automatically applies security updates to your machine when it is connected to the BU network.

BU Solaris comes with PatchAlert, a BU tool that can be configured to apply patches as often as you wish. We recommend at least once a month.

For the most secure SGI IRIX machine, run the latest version of BU IRIX, which is available as a network installation that can be overlaid on a previous BU IRIX installation in less than an hour. The Maintenance Update protects your machine while preserving customizations from an earlier network installation of Boston University IRIX.

For more information on known security problems and solutions, check the BU Security Advisories.