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How to protect the GRUB boot loader in Linux with a password
What is this Tip?

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You can prevent access to the GRUB console and prevent anyone from making changes to the configuration parameters by using the below given tip. It enables you to set a password for the GRUB boot parameter editor.
How to implement this Tip?

1. From your Linux machine access a terminal window and type in the below given command.

/sbin/grub-md5-crypt

This will load the GRUB Password Hash maker and type in a password of your choice. It will return a password-hash value to you.

2. Now load the /boot/grub/grub.conf file in an editor and type in the below given line just below the timeout line.

password --md5 password-hash-value

Replace the password-hash-value> with the hash value you got from the /sbin/grub-md5-crypt command.

3. Now from next time onwards from GRUB boot loader screen you will have to Press P and your GRUB Password in order to access the GRUB parameter editor screen.