On a server I have a public key auth only for root account. Is there any point of logging in with a different account?

  • markstos@lemmy.world
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    9 days ago

    This was downvoted, but is a good question.

    If your account is compromised, the shell init code could be modified to install a keylogger to discover the root password. That’s correct.

    Still, that capture doesn’t happen instantly. On a personal server, it could be months until the owner logs in next. On a corporate machines, there may be daily scans for signs of intrusion, malware, etc. Either way, the attacker has been slowed down and there is a chance they won’t succeed in a timeframe that’s useful to them.

    It’s perhaps like a locking a bike: with right tool and enough time, a thief can steal the bike. Sometimes slowing them down sufficiently is enough to win.