System Integrity

Another common feature in security conscious systems is integrity checking. This is usually done by following these steps:
Acquire a baseline for the system
This can be done by calculating a checksum for every file you wish to monitor

Place baseline image on read only media
This database should NOT be stored online
Place it on a floppy or burn it onto a cdrom.

Periodically compare image with current system
Compare the current checksums with the baseline set and note any differences. Any changes unless known, should set off alarm bells.


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