[Theforum] Re: root access

Martin martin at members.evolt.org
Thu Apr 25 16:12:33 CDT 2002


On Thursday, April 25, 2002, at 09:46  pm, Warden, Matt wrote:

> Fact is, *someone* has to have physical access to the servers, for a
> various number of reasons. Whomever that is can decide to pull the
> plug. Theoretically, that's actually where the power lies. How much good
> is root access to a computer that isn't on?

> I think that if we have this structure, and the worst of worst happens,
> the steering committee can kick out said person and throw the evolt site
> up on other servers. And if it happens again, the steering committee
> can take the same action. So, the ultimate ultimate ultimate power lies
> with the steering committee. And not because it can su as root on the
> box
> and not because it can delete articles.

You're 100% right (and that's why it's always good to have disaster
recovery in place by having standing offers to host the sites
and lists at short notice, even if it's only temporarily).

Anyone with either physical or su access to the boxes only has so
if authorised by evolt.org... which means in practise a decision
by the SC (unless you want referenda...)

Cheers
Martin
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