Tip Reset forgotten password

I came across this article.
I did not test it but seems to be a guy with more skills in linux than me (that is easy)

www.tecmint.com/reset-forgotten-root-password-in-debian/

You can also boot with a live CD and mount the root partition and modify the passwd and shadow files, to remove the passwords for all users including the root user.

When I was doing a NetWare course first rule drummed into our heads was physical security ie: Stop people walking away with the machine and stop people from gaining physical access. Next is securing the BIOS, who has password protected their BIOS ? Get access to that and you can change the boot device, by then it's bye bye.

A live CD\DVD\USB is a pretty good way to get access to a whole machine. You don't even have to mount any file systems to do evil.

Unless grub has a password the machine is insecure. Once someone has access to the grub command line anything is possible. And anyone wanting unauthorised access, with a reason will know these things.

One the first thought I would agree with you Tom. But:
1. Here we talk of mostly self possesed machines, or small shop ones.
2. As soon as somebody can touch, it's very difficult to protect against fraud.
3. Don't believe that you can completely harden a system against a knowledged person.

Instead:
Concentrate against user errors and "playing a little bit on the buttons" freaks.
Most important. Have resiliency in focus, in lcnc this means have fast a complete copy at hand. Fx. Have a 1 to 1 copied harddisk in a safe plase. That is real cheapo these days and very effective.
Mike

Nah just a course at TAFE, felt a bit ripped off as it was touted as a networking course, no mention of it being just focusing on NetWare.

I was working as a Frame & Truss Detailer\Estimator at the time. Wanted to up skill.
Anyways left that job, got a job as a labourer to a Playground installer. Ended up as trainee electronics tech with Ingenico, EFTPOS terminals and stuff like that.....Had some personal issues and ended up doing Playground repairs for a while.....boss was ripping me off, super paid for quite a few years, so jumped to doing civvy labouring, screwed my back, started traffic control.
Anyways can't work there now as the shattered femur I had at 20 is now causing arthritis and can't drive for over an hour in Sydney traffic.