How to Install Rkhunter on Debian 10

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Rkhunter is a tool that scans for rootkits, backdoors, and other security issues on Linux systems. It does this by examining your files and comparing the hashes against known values of trusted software and malware. In this tutorial, we will install and set up rkhunter on a Debian 10 Vultr instance.

Prerequisites

• Follow our best practices guide to update your Debian system.
• Create a non-root sudo user.

1. Install Rkhunter

Install rkhunter with apt.

$ sudo apt install rkhunter -y

2. Configure Rkhunter

Rkhunter uses data files to store information on possible threats. Unfortunately, the default configuration of Debian does not allow us to update these files. We will adjust the settings to correct this issue.

1. Edit the /etc/rkhunter.conf file with nano.

   $ sudo nano /etc/rkhunter.conf
   

   Type CTRL+W to search for WEB_CMD="/bin/false".
   Add a # comment at the beginning of the line to disable the statement.

   # WEB_CMD="/bin/false"
   

2. Type CTRL+W to search for UPDATE_MIRRORS.

3. Set UPDATE_MIRRORS value to 1.

   UPDATE_MIRRORS=1
   

4. Type CTRL+W to search for MIRRORS_MODE.

5. Set MIRRORS_MODE value to 0.

   MIRRORS_MODE=0
   

6. (Optional) Enable email notifications.

   Type CTRL+W to search for MAIL-ON-WARNING.
   Remove the # comment at the beginning of the line and assign an email address.

   [email protected]
   

7. Save and exit the file.

3. Confirm Configuration File

Make sure your configuration file is valid with the following command:

$ sudo rkhunter -C

If there is no output, your configuration file is valid.

4. Update the Data Files

Update the rkhunter data files.

$ sudo rkhunter --update

5. Check the Local System

To check the local system, use the check parameter.

$ sudo rkhunter --check

When finished, inspect /var/log/rkhunter.log for warnings and alerts.