CS5493(7493): Secure System Administration J. Childress Rayzor 2090

Computing Systems A computing system is a topology of computing hardware devices, software, and data with a defined boundary.

Computer System Consists of: Computer Hardware – the physical equipment and connections that make up a computing system. Computer Software – the computer operating system, drivers, programs (applications and utilities), and their associated documentation. Data

The System Administrator AKA the SA for short The professional responsible for making computing systems work effectively. –One can be an SA at home or at work. –If you own and maintain a computer, then you are a system administrator for that computer.

System Admin Tasks Perform backup and restore operations. Add and remove users Add and remove hardware and software Configure and maintain hardware and software General user support: Answering users' questions Maintain documentation and licenses Negotiate with vendors

System Admin Tasks (cont.) System planning –Scaling the system –Assessing new technologies –Anticipate and avoid problems Security Management Monitor system usage and performance Detect and correct problems Optimize System Performance Manage resources (disc, memory, CPU)

System Admin Tasks (cont.) Retire hardware De-install software Write programs to automate as many tasks as possible. Determine and enforce usage policy Educate users Role model Liaison between user needs and the budgetary, resource, and technology limitations.

SA Requirements Patience Tenacity Strong Organizational Skills Well developed logic, reasoning, and critical thinking skills. The ability to read and comprehend technical information. Ethical behavior

System Admin Guilde: SAGE Established 1992 out of USENIX/LISA conferences (Large Installation Systems Administrators) A professional body for practicing SAs. SAGE is made up of SA organizations from all over the world.

SAGE Guidelines Creed Code of ethics Mantra

SAGE Creed We as professional System Administrators do hereby commit ourselves to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, and agree to be guided by this code of ethics, and encourage every System Administrator to do the same.

SAGE-Code of Ethics Integrity must be beyond reproach Do not unnecessarily infringe on the rights of others. Contact with all clients and colleagues must be kept to the highest standards of professional behavior. Maintain an exemplary work ethic Must display professionalism in the performance of duties at all times.

SA Mantra The computer environment does not exist solely for the amusement of the SA. (Mantra-mystical words or sounds used to facilitate a meditative conscious state.)