Penetration Testing mailing list archives

Re: Handling Sysads resignation/termination


From: spyteknow007 () netscape net
Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 07:53:38 -0400

Asking a systems adminstrator to certify that he has not installed any time bombs on a system is unreasonable, as 
Microsoft has stated in court that IE is a key component of the MS operating system.

In jest I am making the point. Systems Administrators are often not responsible for the selection of software that is 
installed on the company servers. Those types of decisions are often made by management. The administrator is simply 
responsible for implimenting and facilitating the continued operation of such software and services. The administrator 
cannot certify that a product has not come with a "trojan" already installed, and for the most part, may be completely 
unaware of any penetrations of the existing network.

As a Sys Admin, I would never sign such a document. I already have the threat of the law looming over me, to agree to 
be accountable for any additional mishaps, makes an admin a scape goat for incompetent decisions made by his superiors 
during his tenure as an employee for that company. Unscrupulous companies are just as common as unscrupulous employees.


I've been working as a security consultant for a 
financial company.

a system administrator handling the several of the 
critical servers will be retiring. before he leave the

company the management wants me to interview him and
in 
"certify" that he did not leave any timebombs,
malicious 
programs on the pcs. 

Since i have no experience in handling pre-termination
of
a systems administrator, i would appreciate you
insights 
and suggestions on how to go about this. 

Questions that needs to be asked. Steps to take to 
ensure that the systems are clean after his 
resignation. 


Thanks and God bless! 


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