Monitoring directories with iWatch
EYE ON CHANGE
Why wait for cron? iWatch monitors critical files and directories in realtime. This handy Perl script then notifies the user or runs a configurable command when change occurs.
If an intruder is loose on your system, it is important to learn about the attack as soon as possible. Several tools in the Linux environment check individual directories, and files send notice of changes. You can run one of these tools as a cronjob or write a script that runs in a loop and regularly performs file checks. In both cases, however, you are forced to either run the tool frequently (at high cost to system resources) or else settle for long intervals between checks, which could potentially open a window for an intruder.
The Linux 2.6.13 kernel introduced a solution to this dilemma. The kernel’s Inotify interface provides a means for monitoring files and directories in realtime. Users need only tell the kernel which files they are interested in, and the kernel notifies the user whenever a change occurs.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
News
-
Pop!_OS 20.10 Now Supports DEB822 Format
The Linux distribution from System 76 has converted over to the friendlier apt format.
-
Ubuntu 20.10 Now Supports Raspberry Pi
Ubuntu 20.10 is the first release from Canonical to support the Raspberry Pi single board computer.
-
A New Linux Distribution has been Released
Emperor-OS is a new Linux distribution focused on programming, developing, and data science.
-
Ubuntu Groovy Gorilla Beta Available
The beta version for Ubuntu’s latest release is now available for testing.
-
Microsoft is Finally Set to Release Edge Browser for Linux
Chromium-based MS Edge browser will soon be available for testing on Linux.
-
Lenovo Now Offering Ubuntu 20.04 as an Option
Lenovo is making good on its promise to support Linux as a pre-install option.
-
Linux Deepin 20 Released
One of the most beautiful Linux distributions on the market has been refreshed.
-
A New Version of Zorin OS is Now Available
Fan-favorite, Zorin OS 15.3 is officially available.
-
Lenovo Now Offering Fedora Linux as an Option
Lenovo is making good on their Linux promise by adding Fedora into the mix.
-
System76 Launches New High-End Laptop
System76 has unleashed a beast of a mobile workstation.