TMO Quick Tip - Leopard: Lock Down Your Root User
by , 7:30 AM EDT, June 13th, 2008
I've mentioned before why it's important to protect your Mac's Root user and explained how Mac OS X 10.4 users can assign a password to their Root user. The steps are different in Mac OS X 10.5, but they aren't any more difficult.
Just like in Tiger, Leopard's Root user is disabled by default, but does not have a password. Assigning a password to your Root user adds an extra layer of protection, which is a great idea because anyone that gains Root-level control over your Mac can do anything they want -- including deleting files, adding and removing applications, and changing settings without your knowledge.
Use Directory Utility to set your Root user password. |
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Here's how to add a password to your Root user account in Leopard:
Enable the Root user so you can assign a password. |
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Enter a password for your Root user. |
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Password protecting and disabling your Mac's Root user won't protect you from every possible attack, but it is one piece in the bigger security puzzle.