Lynis Shell Skript Checks Unix Security
The first step towards improving a system's security, is discovering the status quo. Lynis, a small command line program helps users do so.
Dutch developer Michael Boelen authored the program, which is based on shell scripts and checks Unix-style systems for vulnerabilities. The program will run from any medium at the command line.
Lynis scans the operating system and installed software searching for security issues as it does. For example, the script checks whether the SSL certificates in use on the system are obsolete. It also checks for obsolete software, threats due to accounts without password protection, and incorrectly assigned file permissions. Lynis also performs diagnostics for your firewall if you have one.
Lynis can't resolve vulnerabilities itself, however, it does help to identify installation issues and existing threats.
On the project website Boelen writes that he has tested Lynis successfully on various systems including Debian 4.0, OpenSuSE, Slackware 12.1, and various Ubuntu releases, FreeBSD, Mac OS X 10.x, and PcBSD. According to Boelen, the script will also check HP-UX and AIX.
For more information and to download the program as a zipped tarball, visit the Lynis website. Lynis is licensed under the GPL Version 3.
Issue 173/2015
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Old Vulnerabilities Are Kept Alive Through Bad Configuration
HP's annual Cyber Risk report offers a bleak look at the state of IT.
-
Linus Torvalds Announces Linux 4.0
But what do the big numbers really mean?
-
Microsoft Frees CoreCLR
.NET Core execution engine is the basis for cross-platform .NET implementations.
-
New Trojan Attacks Linux Servers
The Xnote trojan hides itself on the target system and will launch a variety of attacks on command.
-
Cisco Releases Annual Security Report
Spammers go low-volume, and 90% of IE browsers are unpatched.
-
Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
-
Intel Unveils Compute Stick
Four-inch-long computer on a stick lets you boot a full Linux system from any HDMI display device.
-
Obama Proposes Personal Data Notification Law
New statute would require companies to report break-ins to consumers.
-
TGXf Project Warns of File Transfer through Screen Pixels
Weird data transfer technique avoids all standard security measures.
-
Industry Giants Announce a Fix for the Password Mess
FIDO alliance declares the beginning of the end for old-style login authentication.