Security

Features Security

 

Built-in security

Ubuntu Server Edition is secure to the core, built upon the renowned security of the Debian operating system. Ubuntu's security team works closely with their Debian and Linux counterparts to make sure that any vulnerabilities that emerge are recognised and dealt with swiftly. Ubuntu's free and fair ethos means that patches are made available to all users, not just enterprise clients or subscribers.

 

Uncomplicated firewall

Ubuntu Server also includes easy-to-use security features – a valuable aspect of security technology because it reduces the element of 'user error' in security management. For example, Uncomplicated Firewall asks you to nominate the sole protocol that you want to grant access to your network (SMTP, HTTP etc) – and that's all. Ubuntu Server has no open ports by default, so there is no danger of services being initiated at install without an administrator's knowledge. So simple, and so secure.

 

Access control with AppArmor

AppArmor is rapidly becoming the default open-source service for mandatory access control. It allows the systems administrator to associate each program with a security profile which restricts the authority and access rights of that program. AppArmor supplements the traditional UNIX discretionary access control with additional rules that control what programs are allowed to be accessed. It can even 'learn' the typical set of rules and turn them into an enforcement standard that can be applied widely.

 

Another feature that helps you remain secure is the ability to easily create an encrypted private directory on your home server where you can store critical passwords, user names and logins. This is something designed by systems administrators for systems administrators and is something only someone working every day with the hassles of secure access provision would think to dedicate time to building. And it's really easy to use.