https://refspecs.linuxfoundation.org/FHS_3.0/fhs/ch03s16.html https://refspecs.linuxfoundation.org/FHS_3.0/fhs/ch03s16.htm... says: > Utilities used for system

https://refspecs.linuxfoundation.org/FHS_3.0/fhs/ch03s16.html https://refspecs.linuxfoundation.org/FHS_3.0/fhs/ch03s16.htm... says: > Utilities used for system administration (and other root-only commands) are stored in /sbin, /usr/sbin, and /usr/local/sbin. /sbin contains binaries essential for booting, restoring, recovering, and/or repairing the system in addition to the binaries in /bin. ... > Originally, /sbin binaries were kept in /etc. ... > Deciding what things go into "sbin" directories is simple: if a normal (not a system administrator) user will ever run it directly, then it must be placed in one of the "bin" directories. Ordinary users should not have to place any of the sbin directories in their path. I don't think it was a security thing, more a usability thing? Why see "reboot" on your path when you can't use it?