theProtector: Monitor Linux Hosts for Security Threats

Overview

theProtector is a Bash-based security monitoring framework for Linux hosts. It aims to help administrators identify suspicious processes, files, network activity, and possible evasion by combining host checks with optional kernel monitoring and malware signatures.

It is suited to hands-on Linux administrators who want an extensible, self-managed tool with command-line operation, logs, and a local dashboard. Its broad feature set and system-level access mean it should be evaluated and tested against your environment before being relied on as a security control.

Key Features

• Monitors process execution and system calls using eBPF when supported and enabled.
• Scans for malware patterns with YARA rules, including patterns for webshells and crypto miners.
• Deploys network honeypot listeners on configurable ports.
• Cross-checks process and connection visibility to look for possible evasion.
• Produces logs, alerts, and structured JSON scan results, with quarantine and forensic metadata capabilities.
• Offers a REST API and dashboard, plus optional threat-intelligence and webhook integrations.

Use Cases

• Linux administrators can run periodic host scans to review suspicious processes, files, and connections.
• Server operators can enable continuous monitoring and alerts when they need visibility between manual reviews.
• Security teams can forward structured logs or notifications to existing SIEM and webhook workflows.
• Administrators investigating an incident can use honeypot activity, event logs, and quarantine records as additional evidence.

Project Facts

• Language: Shell
• License: GPL-3.0
• Stars: 579
• Forks: 37
• Archived: false

Getting Started

Clone the repository and run the built-in test command:

git clone https://github.com/IHATEGIVINGAUSERNAME/theprotector.git
cd theProtector
chmod +x theprotector.sh
sudo ./theprotector.sh test

See the README for dependency setup, configuration, and operating modes.

Alternatives

• PatchMon: PatchMon manages patching, compliance, and inventory across server fleets, rather than monitoring host processes, files, and network activity for threats.

Considerations

• The README specifies Linux kernel 4.9 or later and Bash 4.0 or later. eBPF monitoring and honeypots require root privileges; unprivileged operation has limited functionality.
• YARA, jq, inotify-tools, BCC tools, netcat, and Python are listed as optional dependencies for corresponding capabilities.
• The README describes a wide range of security functions, but the supplied project information does not establish independent validation or detection accuracy. Test detections and operational behavior before deployment.
• Review configuration and network exposure carefully. The README says the API binds to localhost by default and notes that remote access requires authentication to be implemented.