# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.5 Ensure root login is restricted to system console

> Verify root login is restricted to physically secure system consoles via /etc/securetty

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-5-ensure-root-login-is-restricted-to-` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-5-ensure-root-login-is-restricted-to-`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-5-ensure-root-login-is-restricted-to-/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-5-ensure-root-login-is-restricted-to-

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# 5.5 Ensure root login is restricted to system console (Not Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The file `/etc/securetty` contains a list of valid terminals that may be logged in directly as root.

## Rationale

Since the system console has special properties to handle emergency situations, it is important to ensure that the console is in a physically secure location and that unauthorized consoles have not been defined.

## Audit Procedure

```bash
cat /etc/securetty
```

## Expected Result

Review the output and verify only physically secure consoles are listed.

## Remediation

Remove entries for any consoles that are not in a physically secure location.

## Default Value

Varies by installation.

## References

- CIS Controls: 5.1 - Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation