2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines

SEI Report
By
Describes commonly exploited UNIX system configuration problems and recommends practices that can be used to help deter several types of break-ins.
Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

Abstract

This document describes commonly exploited UNIX system configuration problems and recommends practices that can be used to help deter several types of break-ins. We encourage system administrators to review all sections of this document and modify their systems to fix potential weaknesses.

We encourage you to consider taking the suggested steps to protect your system(s) from attack. We also encourage you to check with your vendor(s) regularly for any software updates or new software patches that relate to your systems.

Part of a Collection

CERT Tech Tips

Cite This SEI Report

Software Engineering Institute (2006, January 1). 2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines. Retrieved August 17, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/2006-tech-tip-unix-configuration-guidelines/.

@techreport{Citekey_2006,
author={Software Engineering Institute},
title={2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines},
month={Jan},
year={2006},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/2006-tech-tip-unix-configuration-guidelines/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Aug-17}
}

Software Engineering Institute. "2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, January 1, 2006. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/2006-tech-tip-unix-configuration-guidelines/.

Software Engineering Institute, "2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 1-Jan-2006 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/2006-tech-tip-unix-configuration-guidelines/. [Accessed: 17-Aug-2026].

Software Engineering Institute. "2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 1 Jan. 2006. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/2006-tech-tip-unix-configuration-guidelines/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Software Engineering Institute. 2006 Tech Tip: UNIX Configuration Guidelines. Software Engineering Institute. 2006. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/2006-tech-tip-unix-configuration-guidelines/