OSSEC – Host IDS

OSSEC is a scalable, multi-platform, open-source Host-based Intrusion Detection System. It performs log analysis, integrity checking, rootkit detection, and active response.

Key Features

• Log Analysis: Real-time log monitoring
• File Integrity: Detect file modifications
• Rootkit Detection: Identify hidden threats
• Active Response: Automated threat mitigation
• Agent-Based: Centralized management

Installation

Install OSSEC on Ubuntu:

wget https://github.com/ossec/ossec-hids/archive/3.7.0.tar.gz
tar -xzf 3.7.0.tar.gz
cd ossec-hids-3.7.0
sudo ./install.sh

Usage Examples

OSSEC operations:

# Start OSSEC
sudo /var/ossec/bin/ossec-control start

# Check status
sudo /var/ossec/bin/ossec-control status

# View alerts
tail -f /var/ossec/logs/alerts/alerts.log

# Manage agents
sudo /var/ossec/bin/manage_agents

# Syscheck scan
sudo /var/ossec/bin/syscheck_control -u

Benefits

OSSEC provides comprehensive host security monitoring. Its file integrity checking and log analysis detect compromises that network-based tools miss.

Download OSSEC