Overview

xGuard is a wrapper for the native rm utility designed to protect system directories and critical files from accidental deletion. It monitors specified directories and restricts deletion within a defined depth level.

xGuard operates only in interactive sessions, ensuring that applications and services can still use the native rm utility without interference.

Installation

Follow these steps to install xGuard:

1. Download and extract the script

2. Locate the native rm utility

   which rm

3. Edit the xGuard/rm script and configure the following:

   • Add any additional directories to the protected list.
   • Set your password.
   • Specify the path to the native rm utility.

4. Modify the .bashrc file of the user that xGuard should apply to by adding the xGuard path:

   export PATH="/path/to/xGuard:$PATH"

   Example

   export PATH="/home/essien/myScripts/xGuard:$PATH"

5. Save the file

6. Reload the .bashrc file

   source .bashrc

7. Verify that rm points to xGuard:

    which rm

   The output should show the xGuard rm utility path, e.g.: /home/essien/myScripts/xGuard/rm instead of native rm utility path.

Usage

After installation, xGuard functions similarly to the native rm utility. However, when attempting to delete a protected file or directory within the defined depth level, you will be prompted to enter the configured password.

• If authentication is successful, the deletion proceeds.
• When deleting a directory or multiple files, xGuard will prompt for approval of all items after successful authentication. If not approved, each protected file will require individual password confirmation.

Note

• To bypass xGuard and use the native rm utility, specify the absolute path of the native rm utility