Security automation with rkhunter
Release Lags
If you examine the rkhunter project, you may notice that the latest release, version 1.4.6 was released two years ago. In addition, recent traffic on the project forums is rarely more than a few posts per month from only half a dozen people or so. Such evidence may lead you to wonder how current rkhunter is, and whether there is recent malware that it does not cover.
However, this concern seems to be groundless. A web search immediately reveals that the long time between releases has done little to stop rkhunter's use. After 14 years of development, rkhunter is a mature script, with a comprehensive awareness of different intrusion methods. Quite simply, there may be little left to add to rkhunter. Moreover, even if the current version does not cover a particular rootkit, rkhunter's other tests, such as changes in key files, can probably detect evidence of a new rootkit, if not the particular kit.
However, if this release schedule disturbs you, you may prefer to run an alternative such as chkrootkit. But while administrators should keep themselves aware of new rootkits, on the whole, rkhunter remains a useful tool, especially if you follow up on its checks and examine its log in detail. Use it in cautious but good health.
Infos
- Rootkit Hunter: http://rkhunter.sourceforge.net/
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
CarbonOS: A New Linux Distro with a Focus on User Experience
CarbonOS is a brand new, built-from-scratch Linux distribution that uses the Gnome desktop and has a special feature that makes it appealing to all types of users.
-
Kubuntu Focus Announces XE Gen 2 Linux Laptop
Another Kubuntu-based laptop has arrived to be your next ultra-portable powerhouse with a Linux heart.
-
MNT Seeks Financial Backing for New Seven-Inch Linux Laptop
MNT Pocket Reform is a tiny laptop that is modular, upgradable, recyclable, reusable, and ships with Debian Linux.
-
Ubuntu Flatpak Remix Adds Flatpak Support Preinstalled
If you're looking for a version of Ubuntu that includes Flatpak support out of the box, there's one clear option.
-
Gnome 44 Release Candidate Now Available
The Gnome 44 release candidate has officially arrived and adds a few changes into the mix.
-
Flathub Vying to Become the Standard Linux App Store
If the Flathub team has any say in the matter, their product will become the default tool for installing Linux apps in 2023.
-
Debian 12 to Ship with KDE Plasma 5.27
The Debian development team has shifted to the latest version of KDE for their testing branch.
-
Planet Computers Launches ARM-based Linux Desktop PCs
The firm that originally released a line of mobile keyboards has taken a different direction and has developed a new line of out-of-the-box mini Linux desktop computers.
-
Ubuntu No Longer Shipping with Flatpak
In a move that probably won’t come as a shock to many, Ubuntu and all of its official spins will no longer ship with Flatpak installed.
-
openSUSE Leap 15.5 Beta Now Available
The final version of the Leap 15 series of openSUSE is available for beta testing and offers only new software versions.