Networking Guide
Chapter 7, Configuring the Network Information Service (NIS)

NIS interaction with security modes

NIS interaction with security modes

The installation of the NIS Runtime System compromises C2 security and reduces your ability to maintain a secure system. With NIS installed, it is relatively easy to change the master machine and change all the passwords on all systems in the network. Also, passwords (in encrypted form) are stored in text files and can be read by anyone with the correct privileges. If you are concerned with security, NIS may not be an appropriate service for your system.

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