[auton-users] Bad Passwords & Backups

[Jacob Joseph]

Hi.  I'll get straight to it:

Passwords:
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I regularly attempt to crack the lab users passwords with a few 
automated tools.  Aside from the obvious implications for the specific 
user, weak passwords pose a threat to the entire lab network. Such 
potential access exposes otherwise private, and inherently trusted 
resources to untrusted users, opening the entire lab to any number of 
exploits.  I WILL BE SENDING SEPARATE EMAIL TO THOSE USERS WITH WEAK 
PASSWORDS.  A few key points for all:

* Use at least 8 characters.  6 is not enough, even if random.
* Do not use your user name in your password.
* Do not use a single name or word, such as a character from a fantasy 
novel or movie.


Backups:
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I've reworked my own scripts a bit and want to remind everyone of the 
lab backup policy:

*When: Nightly at 2am.
*What: -Home directories smaller than 15GB are backed up entirely.
        -All databases are backed up.
        -Those home directories which are larger must have a ~/backup.lst
         to indicate which files are backed up.
*How long: The general policy is to store the backups as long as 
possible with the space I have.  For now, it looks like I can guarantee 
the 2-3 most current weeks.

-Jacob