RE: Question on root credentials for scanning

["David Gillett" <gillettdavid () fhda edu>]

  A scan provides you with a good idea of what kind of "attack surface" you
are presenting to potential attackers.

  IF your concern is to protect against attackers who are either insiders,
or have already compromised your root credentials, then by all means provide
them to the scan process.  But I think that this is not a realistic or
useful stance for *most* organizations.

David Gillett

-----Original Message-----
From: Shobana Narayanaswamy [mailto:snaraya () opnet com]
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2011 08:59
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Question on root credentials for scanning

Hi:

I am a newbie to security and scanning. Here is my question:

Do you generally need root credentials in order for the scan to produce
detailed results? When I run a scan without root credentials, it comes up
very little info. However, when I supply root credentials, I get several
useful reports. It appears that the scanner detects the OS version and other
s/w component versions only if it is provided root access.

Thanks


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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securing Apache Web Server with thawte Digital Certificate
In this guide we examine the importance of Apache-SSL and who needs an SSL certificate.  We look at how SSL works, how 
it benefits your company and how your customers can tell if a site is secure. You will find out how to test, purchase, 
install and use a thawte Digital Certificate on your Apache web server. Throughout, best practices for set-up are 
highlighted to help you ensure efficient ongoing management of your encryption keys and digital certificates.

http://www.dinclinx.com/Redirect.aspx?36;4175;25;1371;0;5;946;e13b6be442f727d1
------------------------------------------------------------------------