[lug] Advice sought: should I use SSH or not?

[Atkinson, Chip]

Disclaimer:  I'm no security expert by any stretch of the imagination.

SSH allows you to connect out to machines using encrypted passwords so that
something like sniffit can't show your password to the machine you are
logging into.  That's the outgoing advantage.  

If you don't allow any incoming connections to your machine, setting up sshd
would be pointless.  Just make sure that you aren't allowing connections to
your machine.

Chip

> -----Original Message-----
> From: B O'Fallon [mailto:bof at americanisp.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 7:35 AM
> To: Clue Tech; CSU LUG; lug at lug.boulder.co.us
> Subject: [lug] Advice sought: should I use SSH or not?
> 
> 
> Hello,
> 
> I have been debating whether or not to use SSH for my stand-alone home
> system and am seeking (free) advice.
> 
> My use where SSH might be of value include:
> 
>     --- I use TELNET to log into the local library, and I don't think
> they use SSH. The information exchanged is my name, phone number and
> library card.
> 
>     --- For downloads, I use Netscape under XWindows and take either
> the http or ftp download depending upon which is offered.
> 
>     --- I do not need to log in to my system remotely, nor do I run
> TELNET or FTP as services on the system -- I run only the clients when
> needed.
> 
> I also understand that there is a way of using SSH and Xwindows that
> is more secure than just using Xwindows alone.
> 
> With these types of use, would it be worthwhile to go thorough the
> hassle of installing, configuring and using SSH? How much security
> would I gain by it?
> 
> --
> B. O'Fallon
> bof at americanisp.net
> 
> Thinkers prepare the revolution, bandits carry it out.
> 
> 
> --- Anonymous
> 
> 
> 
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