How do I disable email for a single user?

2007-12-25 10:27:00

All -

The overwhelming consensus is to use an entry in the aliases file to point

incoming mail to /dev/null, with changing ownership/permissions for

/var/spool/mail/USERID a close second. This will effectively prevent email

from being received.

I was hoping to find a method for disabling email sending as well, but that

appears to be more difficult, I'll post a summary if I ever figure it out!

David H. Brierley offered to provide details of using a firewall to limit a

users outgoing mail, and I may get back in touch with him after a discussion

with my security/firewall folks.

Thanks everyone, the response was overwhelming and inspiring, I received

over 20 responses!

Gary Litwin

UNIX Systems Administrator

FlightSafety Boeing Training Intl.

MS: 20-79

(206) 662-8346

gary.litwin@fsbti.com

This note from Michael Maciolek clearly describes the method:

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To prevent the contractor from receiving mail, put an entry

in your aliases file (/etc/mail/aliases) like this:

contractor: /dev/null

(where "contractor" is the login name for the contractor.)

Then rebuild the aliases database:

/bin/newaliases

This causes inbound messages for 'contractor' to disappear.

If you're trying to prevent the contractor from *sending*

mail, you have a much more difficult problem and all I can

do is wish you luck.

Michael Maciolek

Senior Network/Systems Engineer

Exodus Professional Services

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