Chapter 9. Security

Table of Contents
9.1. Use good passwords
9.2. Obey Data Terminal Ready and Data Carrier Detect
9.3. Use or configure a dumb modem
9.4. Restrict console messages
9.5. Modem features to restrict usage
9.6. BIOS features
9.7. Use a boot loader password
9.8. Non-interactive boot sequence
9.9. Magic SysRq key
9.10. Adjust behaviour of Ctrl-Alt-Delete
9.11. Log attempted access

Using serial console with a modem gives anyone the opportunity to connect to the console port. This connection is not mediated by firewalls or intrusion detection sniffers. It is important to prevent the misuse of the serial console by unauthorized people.