File Encryption

Placing a sensitive file into an inaccessible directory (700 mode) and making the file unreadable by others (600 mode) will keep it secure in most cases. However, someone who guesses your password or the root password can read and write to that file. Also, the sensitive file is preserved on backup tapes every time you back up the system files to tape.

Fortunately, an additional layer of security is available to all SunOS 5.x system software users in the United States--the optional file encryption kit. The encryption kit includes the crypt command which scrambles the data to disguise the text.