Keeping your Linux server safe is important. One helpful tool for this is Lynis. Lynis is a free, open-source program that checks your system for security problems and gives advice on how to fix them. It works on Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to use Lynis to make your server more secure. I’ll explain things in simple terms, based on my own experience.
What Is Lynis?
Lynis is a security auditing tool. It scans your system and looks for:
- Weak settings
- Missing updates
- Unsafe configurations
- Other potential security issues
After the scan, Lynis gives you a report with suggestions to improve your system’s security. It doesn’t fix things automatically; instead, it tells you what to look at.
Why Use Lynis?
I like using Lynis because:
- It’s easy to use.
- It doesn’t make changes without asking.
- It works on many systems.
- It helps me find problems I might miss.
Compared to other tools like Nessus, which focus on finding known vulnerabilities, Lynis looks at your system’s overall setup and suggests ways to make it stronger.
Installing Lynis
You can install Lynis in different ways, depending on your system.
Using Package Manager
On Debian or Ubuntu:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install lynis
On CentOS or RHEL:
sudo yum install lynis
Using Git
If you prefer the latest version:
git clone https://github.com/CISOfy/lynis
cd lynis
This method gives you the newest features.
Running a Security Audit
To start a full system audit, run:
sudo lynis audit system
This command checks many parts of your system, like:
- User accounts
- Installed software
- Network settings
- File permissions
After the scan, Lynis shows a summary with warnings and suggestions.
Understanding the Results
Lynis provides a report with:
- Warnings: Serious issues that need attention.
- Suggestions: Tips to improve security.
- Hardening Index: A score showing your system’s security level.
For example, it might suggest:
- Disabling unused services
- Setting strong passwords
- Updating outdated software
These suggestions help you make informed decisions about securing your server.
Benefits of Using Lynis
Using Lynis helps you:
- Identify security issues early
- Improve your system’s defenses
- Meet compliance requirements
- Learn about best security practices
It’s a valuable tool for anyone managing a server.
Tips for Using Lynis
Here are some tips to get the most out of Lynis:
- Run audits regularly to catch new issues.
- Review the suggestions and apply relevant ones.
- Keep Lynis updated for the latest checks.
Regular use helps maintain a secure system over time.
Comparing Lynis to Other Tools
Lynis focuses on system configuration and hardening. Other tools, like Rootkit Hunter, specialize in detecting malware. Using both can provide a more comprehensive security check.
Conclusion
Securing your server is an ongoing process. Lynis is a helpful tool that guides you in identifying and fixing potential security issues. By regularly auditing your system, you can keep it safe and running smoothly.
