Looking for a reliable, proven operating system to run mission critical applications on and security is your highest priority? Well, perhaps you should consider putting your trust in OpenBSD, the Unix-style OS built from the ground up with security as its number one priority. Take a look at the features and function of this OS in this write-up from IBM.
OpenBSD is quite possibly the most secure operating system on the planet. Every step of the development process focuses on building a secure, open, and free platform. UNIX® and Linux® administrators take note: Without realizing it, you probably use tools ported from OpenBSD every day. Maybe it’s time to give the whole operating system a closer look.
When security is of the utmost importance, it’s only logical to look to the same operating system that spawned today’s standard in secure remote access, OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell). OpenSSH is just one part of OpenBSD, a distribution that has focused on security from the ground up, accomplishing a goal of creating a UNIX®-like operating system that is secure by default. This stand is in contrast to most operating systems today, which require significant time and energy to harden the environment before going live. In fact, OpenBSD is so secure that it was once banned for use in a DEF CON competition, where crackers go after each other’s systems.
I’ll admit here my failings in the BSD world. I learned Unix on SunOS 4.1, which was berserkley (a term for Berkeley I picked up from a college professor) based, but outside that, I have little exposure to any BSD system. Perhaps it’s time for a VMWare install of one or more BSDs? Anyway, I’ve known about the features of the various BSDs, but haven’t tried installing one in years. The IBM write-up here has just a little bit about the install process, so it’s just the kind of thing to help get you going.
[tags]BSD, OpenBSD, Berkeley Software Distribution[/tags]