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You're using an overly specific definition of the word "root access". "root access" in the context of this conversation just means the paramount ability to deci
by cowtools 4y ago
You're using an overly specific definition of the word "root access". "root access" in the context of this conversation just means the paramount ability to decide what runs on the computer (ownership secure boot keys, ability to modify OS, ability to change or remove userspace programs).
- Arnt 4y agoIn other words, root access does not require being able to run Total Commander as root, or SimpleSSHd? I have a NAS at home, "root access" doesn't mean that I would be able to back up the entire phone to that NAS?
- cowtools 4y agoWithin this context, "root access" is "root" in the sense that it refers to whatever the highest level of privilege is (the root of the trust chain). It's like a tree where each program/agent can spawn subprograms/subagents with privileges that are a subset of its parents. With root access, you have the ultimate ability to decide what runs on the computer. Including programs that do not have root access or programs that prevent other programs from running with root access. If the highest level of privilege is secure boot (the ability to decide what OS runs on the device), then you can run an OS that lets you read everything off the filesystem, sure. But you can also run an OS that doesn't let you read everything off the filesystem. What matters is that if you have root, you (as a person) are at the top of the trust chain. It doesn't matter if the root permissions trickle down to seated users because you can change that if you're at the top.