Can login shell for the sync/halt/shutdown user in passwd be safely changed to /sbin/nologin ?

Solution Verified - Updated -

Issue

  • Can login shell for the sync/halt and shutdown user in /etc/passwd be safely changed to /sbin/nologin (for a stronger security posture)?
  • Why does a separate user sync exist in the /etc/passwd file?
  • What is the purpose of the sync user in the /etc/passwd file?

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux

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