Perform basic system checks with checksecurity
Health Check
 
        		    			© Lead Image © Siarhei Lenets, 123RF.com
Linux offers users a wide range of options for system configuration. With the help of the checksecurity tool collection, you can automatically monitor basic system settings.
Linux is considered a very secure operating system for computers of all kinds. Realistically, however, even Linux is not immune to vulnerabilities and malware, which is why you can find a large number of tools in the package sources of Linux derivatives to help scan for vulnerabilities. However, these tools tend to focus on specific weaknesses and narrowly defined attack scenarios by only analyzing a computer system for individual potential security problems.
With the checksecurity tool collection, on the other hand, you can automatically check Ubuntu and Debian systems [1] and their derivatives for multiple potential basic security flaws or anomalies.
Concept
Checksecurity consists of a number of plugins, each of which you then customize in a configuration file. The corresponding files are in text format, so a simple editor is all it takes to set up the service. When checksecurity is called, the program works through the activated plugins one by one and outputs the results of the tests in a terminal window.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
    Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
 
	
News
- 
		    					    		    Fedora 43 Has Finally LandedThe Fedora Linux developers have announced their latest release, Fedora 43. 
- 
		    					    		    KDE Unleashes Plasma 6.5The Plasma 6.5 desktop environment is now available with new features, improvements, and the usual bug fixes. 
- 
		    					    		    Xubuntu Site Possibly HackedIt appears that the Xubuntu site was hacked and briefly served up a malicious ZIP file from its download page. 
- 
		    					    		    LMDE 7 Now AvailableLinux Mint Debian Edition, version 7, has been officially released and is based on upstream Debian. 
- 
		    					    		    Linux Kernel 6.16 Reaches EOLLinux kernel 6.16 has reached its end of life, which means you'll need to upgrade to the next stable release, Linux kernel 6.17. 
- 
		    					    		    Amazon Ditches Android for a Linux-Based OSAmazon has migrated from Android to the Linux-based Vega OS for its Fire TV. 
- 
		    					    		    Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More CompositorsIf you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you. 
- 
		    					    		    System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 BetaSystem76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat. 
- 
		    					    		    Linux Kernel 6.17 is AvailableLinus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support. 
- 
		    					    		    Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking ToolsIf you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components. 





