SYNOPSIS

lynis --check-all(-c) [other options]

DESCRIPTION

Lynis is a security auditing tool for Linux and Unix systems. It checks the system and software configurations, to determine any improvements. All details are logged in a log file. Findings and other data is stored in a report file, which can be used to create auditing reports. Lynis can be run as a cronjob, or from the command line. Lynis prefers root permissions (or sudo), so it can access all parts of the system, however it not required (see pentest mode).

The following system areas may be checked:

- Boot loader files

- Configuration files

- Files part of software packages

- Directories and files related to logging and auditing

OPTIONS

--auditor <full name>

Define the name of the auditor/pen-tester. When a full name is used, add double quotes, like "Your Name".

--checkall (or -c)

Lynis performs a full check of the system, printing out the results of each test to stdout. Additional information will be saved into a log file (default is /var/log/lynis.log).

In case the outcome of a scan needs to be automated, use the report file.

--cronjob

Perform automatic scan with cron safe options (no colors, no questions, no breaks).

--debug

Display debug information to screen for troubleshooting purposes.

--dump-options

Show all available parameters.

--logfile </path/to/logfile>

Defines location and name of log file, instead of default /var/log/lynis.log.

--no-colors

Do not use colors for messages, warnings and sections.

--no-log

Redirect all logging information to /dev/null, prevent sensitive information to be written to disk.

--pentest

Run a non-privileged scan, usually for penetration testing. Some of the tests will be skipped if they require root permissions.

--plugin-dir </path/to/plugins>

Define location where plugins can be found.

--profile </path/to/profile>

Provide alternative profile to perform the scan.

--quick (-Q)

Do a quick scan (don't wait for user input).

--quiet (-q)

Try to run as silent as possible, showing only warnings. This option activates --quick as well.

--report-file </path/to/report>

Provide an alternative name for report file.

--reverse-colors

Optimize screen output for light backgrounds.

--tests TEST-IDs

Only run the specific test(s). When using multiple tests, add quotes around the line.

--tests-category <category>

Only perform tests from particular tests. Use --view-categories to determine valid options.

--upload

Upload data to Lynis Enterprise server.

--view-categories

Display all available test categories.

Multiple parameters are allowed, though some parameters can only be used together with others. When running Lynis without any parameters, help will be shown and the program will exit.

HELPERS

Lynis has special helpers to do certain tasks. This way the framework of Lynis is used, while at the same time storing most of the functionality in a separated file. This speeds up execution and keeps the code clean.

audit

Run audit on the system or on other targets

update

Run updater utility

To use a helper, run Lynis followed by the helper name

Documentation

Supporting documentation can be found via https://cisofy.com/documentation/lynis/

LICENSING

Lynis is licensed as GPL v3, written by Michael Boelen and supported by CISOfy. Plugins may have their own license.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support requests and project related questions can be addressed via e-mail: [email protected].