CLI

Definition

A Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based interface used to interact with software and operating systems by typing commands into a console or terminal. It allows users to execute various tasks such as file manipulation, program execution, and system configuration by entering specific command syntax. CLIs are favored for their speed, precision, and ability to automate tasks through scripting.

Secure Settings Example

# Example of a secure CLI configuration for SSH
ssh -o StrictHostKeyChecking=yes -o UserKnownHostsFile=/etc/ssh/ssh_known_hosts user@secure-server.com

This command enforces strict host key checking and specifies a known hosts file, enhancing security by preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.

Insecure Settings Example

# Example of an insecure CLI configuration for SSH
ssh -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no user@insecure-server.com

Disabling strict host key checking can expose the connection to man-in-the-middle attacks, as it allows connections to unknown hosts without verification.