Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some questions about ssh and Overthewire:wargames (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 days ago by SusanoStyle@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Hi there, In my search to learn a bit more about Linux, i came across this website called "OverTheWire", which teaches basic and some advanced concepts over SSH. It seems like a fun and engaging way to learn.

However, as a bit of a paranoid beginner when it comes to Linux and networking, i find myself worrying about the potential dangers of connecting to an untrusted network.

So, my questions are:

Does anyone have any experience with the website?
In the hypothetical case that I open an SSH connection to a compromised network, could that expose me to attacks? (Aside from obvious risks like downloading malicious files myself.)
Should I use a virtual machine (VM) for this?

I sincerely appreciate any responses. Thank you!

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[–] deadcade@lemmy.deadca.de 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

The main oversimplification is where browsers "just visit websites", SSH can be really powerful. You can send/receive files with scp, or even port forward with the right flags on ssh. If you stick to ssh user@host without extra flags, the only thing you're telling SSH to do is set up a text connection where your keyboard input gets sent, and some text is received (usually command output, like from a shell).

As long as you understand what you're asking SSH to do, there's little risk in connecting to a random server. If you scp a private document from your computer to another server, you've willingly sent it. If you ssh -R to port forward, you've initiated that. The server cannot simply tell your client to do anything it wants, you have to do this yourself.

[–] SusanoStyle@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 days ago

I will keep it in mind, i will be mindful of commands and flags. No typing without being certain of what each command does.