Keeping Red Hat Linux Systems Secure with up2date

In this paper I will give an in depth overview of the software update mechanisms used by the Red Hat Network from Red Hat Inc. After giving an introduction to this technology, I will then elaborate on its software update utility, up2date. Program setup, and numerous ways of running up2date will then be examined. Red Hat Network's benefits and limitations will be outlined. Four methodologies will also be outlined which can be used more easily to keep current large implementations of Red Hat Linux. I will include detailed update process flows and communication diagrams for each of the different update architectures. The purpose of this paper is to inform system administrators who are responsible for Linux systems, of the importance of keeping their systems up to date. The ease with which system security can be achieved will also be examined. As with other operating systems, Linux systems that are not kept up to date with software patches can become insecure, and vulnerable to attack.