Hardened Linux Puts Hackers EnGarde
Source: Network Computing
Maintaining the security of your Internet-facing Linux server is a challenge. Often you're left building castles in the sand, only to see them washed away by the vulnerability du jour. If you're ready to construct your fortifications of stronger stuff, security-enhanced Linux distributions may be the answer. They offer an alternative to the patch-and-pray cycle we're stuck in today.
"These niche Linux products have advantages that may make them a better choice than a standard distribution. First and foremost, a security-enhanced, or hardened, distribution lets you take a proactive security stance versus the reactive model of the mainstream vendors. Although the standard distributions have improved security, advances have come at a snail's pace, with vendors doing only enough to avoid appearing remiss. After all, reducing the default number of network services (the most common security 'enhancement' of a mainstream distribution) is not a robust approach to security--it's common sense..."
