4.4.2.1. Disabling the Root Shell

4.4.2.1. Disabling the Root Shell

To prevent users from logging in directly as root, the system administrator can set the root account's shell to /sbin/nologin in the /etc/passwd file. This prevents access to the root account through commands that require a shell, such as the su and the ssh commands.

Important

Programs that do not require access to the shell, such as email clients or the sudo command, can still access the root account.


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