Rootkit Hunter (commonly known as rkhunter) is a powerful command-line security tool for Unix-based systems. It helps system administrators detect rootkits, backdoors, and potential local exploits by scanning for suspicious behavior, hidden files, improper file permissions, and unusual strings in kernel modules.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install and use Rootkit Hunter on a Linux system to help protect against malicious threats.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing any new package, it’s good practice to update your system to the latest available packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Install Rootkit Hunter
You can install Rootkit Hunter using your system’s package manager. On Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, run:
sudo apt install rkhunter -y
Step 3: Update Rootkit Hunter Database
Once installed, you need to update the Rootkit Hunter properties and signatures to ensure accurate scans. Run the following command:
sudo rkhunter --updateThis updates the tool with the latest known threats and rootkits.
Step 4: Run a System Scan with Rootkit Hunter
To perform a full scan of your system, use the following command:
sudo rkhunter --checkDuring the scan, press Enter to go through the individual checks and results.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, you’ve learned how to install and run Rootkit Hunter on a Linux server. This lightweight security tool is essential for detecting early signs of intrusion and helping keep your system secure from rootkits and other malicious software. Regular scans can greatly enhance your system’s integrity and protection.
