Security Management Guide (G06.24+, H06.03+)

Security Management Guide—522283-008
5-1
5 Concerns for the User
This section discusses security concerns for all users of NonStop systems.
Concerns for All Users
In some work environments, an application program runs continuously but requires you
to log on and present an individual password before beginning operations. The
application program determines the range of operations you can perform.
In other work environments, you might have to log on through the TACL command
interpreter or the Safeguard software to run an application program.
In all cases, take steps to ensure that no one uses your ID to gain access to the
system.
Protecting Your Password
You will be given a unique user name and initial password. Your user name is not
private (several people might know it), but only you and the person who set up your
access to the system know your initial password. You should be able to change your
password, and you might even be required to do so. Regardless, you should change
your password immediately after your user record is added to the system.
Your password might be the only proof required by the system to verify your identity.
Keep it secret. Change it often enough that the risk of someone discovering it is
minimal, but not so often that you must write it down to remember it. Writing a
password down makes it easy for an intruder to learn your password.
When you are not directed to keep your password secret, do so to prevent harm to you
or your organization resulting from another person using your password.
For example, suppose someone uses your password to log on as you to manipulate
sensitive files for which you are responsible. Later, when the deed is discovered, an
audit trail might show you as the person who committed the intrusion.
Logging On
Unless you log on to an application program, your logon procedure is probably
controlled by the TACL product or the Safeguard software. In either instance, all
Safeguard logon features are enforced if the Safeguard software is running. If you log
on at TACL prompt, your logon prompt appears as:
TACL 1>
If the Safeguard software controls the logon procedure at your terminal, the logon
prompt appears as:
SAFEGUARD 1>