Why I Always Set Up File Integrity Monitoring on Linux Servers | by Faruk Ahmed | Aug, 2025

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Why I Always Set Up File Integrity Monitoring on Linux Servers

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Most admins rely on logs and intrusion detection to catch attackers. But what if the first sign of compromise isn’t a log entry — it’s a silent file change ?

That’s why I always deploy File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) on every critical Linux server. It’s my safety net for detecting tampering that slips under the radar.

🚨 Why File Integrity Monitoring Matters

• Attackers Modify System Binaries Replacing ls , ps , or sshd with trojanized versions is an old trick — but still works. ls ps sshd - Persistence via Hidden Files Backdoors often hide in /etc/cron.d/ , .ssh/authorized_keys , or .timer units. /etc/cron.d/ .ssh/authorized_keys .timer - Insider Threats Malicious or careless insiders can quietly alter configs or scripts.
• Compliance Requirements CIS, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and other frameworks explicitly require file integrity checks.

🔑 Tools I Use for FIM

1. AIDE (Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment)

• Simple, lightweight, widely available. Install on Ubuntu/Debian:

apt install aide aideinit mv /var/lib/aide/aide.db.new /var/lib/aide/aide.db

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