Password-protect KNetworkManager

English Network/Internet
#1

I have OpenDNS set up on my children’s computer to enable content filtering. This is done by assigning the DNS address to use OpenDNS’s servers. However, all they would need to do is reconfigure the connection to use DHCP and they’ve basically been opened up to anything on the net. Is there a way I can set up KNetworkManager to require su privilages to make modifications to connections?

Thanks

#2

I think it will be wise not to use KNetworkManager to control the network. Try the traditional ifup way that always needs the root password.

#3

One question ahead: How OLD are your kids? I’d say that they wouldn’t mess with NetworkManager if they are KIDS… :wink:

TheMask.***

#4

True, they are 8 and 6 and probably wouldn’t know how to modify those settings. But if they’re anything like me, they’ll do it as an accident/experiment. I don’t want to leave anything to chance! :slight_smile:

#5

Thanks, I thought of that as well and will probably have to take that approach. Just been using KNetworkManager for so long with no problems (after spending days getting it to work properly with my wireless) that I’m a bit reluctant to switch. :slight_smile:

#6

I have 2 kids - now 7 & 12 years old. I always found that they can discover everything themselves. So, I am keeping root password to myself :wink:

I don’t use network manager on the home computer, because, it is a desktop and the network settings are fixed. Even on my laptop, I just use profiles for setting up different locations - office, home etc.

#7

nullvalue adjusted his/her AFDB on Saturday 16 May 2009 17:06 to write:

>
> syampillai;1986829 Wrote:
>> I think it will be wise not to use KNetworkManager to control the
>> network. Try the traditional ifup way that always needs the root
>> password.
>
> Thanks, I thought of that as well and will probably have to take that
> approach. Just been using KNetworkManager for so long with no problems
> (after spending days getting it to work properly with my wireless) that
> I’m a bit reluctant to switch. :slight_smile:
>
>

If you are connected to a router then why not set that to opendns as well
then even dhcp will not change, that is how I have mine setup here as my
ISP`s DNS is sometimes a little flaky.

HTH

Mark

Nullus in verba
Nil illigitimi carborundum

#8

Thanks, I thought of that too but only want the OpenDNS filtering set on that one computer and I don’t think my router would support multiple “profiles” for each connecting device.

#9

Some routers allow keyword and IP blocking per IP on the LAN. Not perfect but it can be quite effective. But if your kids are as tech savvy as kids are today, understand they will find a way if the will is there.

#10

  • Switch from Networkmanager to ifup

  • Configure the respective network interface not allowing non-root users to control them (which should be default)

//Edit:

Second step will not be absolutely necessary as even with permission, the users can only start/stop the connection but not change its config.