Lab Security Policy

No security system is perfect. There is a tradeoff between security and ease of use. We have tried to find a way to let you do your work in peace. Getting hacked is a big deal. Please be mindful.

Summary

Our security policy can be summarized as follows:

 You can only access our cluster via ssh from a secure machine

What is a secure machine you may ask? As of Monday, April 21, our answer is as follows.

"A secure machine is one that we control and can thus protect." This includes:

• The two portals
• Desktops we control in CCBR 650, 940 and BH 501. expect improvements/developments here.
• Laptops in the lab. expect improvements/developments here.

No other machine is assumed secure. This includes the Sali cluster, the QB3 shared cluster, connections via VPN. To access our cluster from these or any other machine we do not treat as secure, you must use the portal system.

Rules

• You can only access the portals using an ssh key.
• You can only access the clusters from the portals using a password, never an ssh key.
• You can use ssh keys to move around within the cluster, but only if they are secure.

Advice

• Ssh keys must be protected at all times and must never be shared with anyone, even family members or labmates.
• Use different passwords for your bank, your email, and your cluster access. If one is hacked, the damage is contained.
• If you have an account on a system that is hacked, please a. tell us you were hacked so we can revoke your ssh key and b. change your password asap if you think it could have been compromised.

Conclusion

• Misuse of sshkeys is a very serious matter. Please guard your ssh key access as you would your bank account.
• some people call ssh keys "ssl keys". It is the same thing, and ssl is arguably more correct. nevermind.

If you have any doubts about appropriate use of ssh keys or passwords, or suggestions about how to improve security, please write the sysadmins.

Security Q&A