%qubes ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL # # What we're saying above basically means: if the attacker got user access in # Dom0, then you're screwed already, as there are dozens of ways for the # attacker to escalate to root from user (e.g. via xend). # # Even that is not necessary, in fact! As all the VM control actions can be # done by user -- after all this is why you can easily start/create VMs and # apps in VMs from GUI -- all that the attacker needs is user access in Dom0. # # So, because in Qubes OS, in Dom0, user account is just as sensitive as root # account, we don't pretend otherwise, and try to make life a bit easier for # the user allowing for easy escalation (no need to choose and remember a root # password in Dom0). # # This is also why we don't pretend that Qubes OS is a multiuser system -- it # is not! (for the reasons given above). The assumption is that there is only # one user that logs into GUI manager: YOU. This is hardly a limiting factor # these days, when it's not uncommon for a single person to own not one, but # several computers, which are not shared with others (phone, tablet, laptops). # We live in a PC-era! :) # # This means that the user password you choose during installation servers only # one purpose: it allows you to lock your screen while you're away via the # screen saver. Nothing more! # # joanna. #