{
  "slug": "lynis",
  "category": "linux-hardening",
  "name": "Lynis",
  "description": "A command-line security auditing tool from CISOfy that scans Linux, macOS and other Unix-like systems and suggests hardening steps.",
  "website": "https://cisofy.com/lynis/",
  "source": "https://github.com/CISOfy/lynis",
  "license": "GPL-3.0",
  "platforms": [
    "linux",
    "macos"
  ],
  "jurisdiction": {
    "code": "NL",
    "name": "Netherlands",
    "eyes": "Nine Eyes",
    "eu": true,
    "gdpr": true,
    "cloud_act": null
  },
  "pick": false,
  "pick_reason": null,
  "disclosure": null,
  "grade": "B",
  "score": 80,
  "coverage": 100,
  "summary": "Lynis scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the Linux hardening criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales. It does not meet independent audit. It is based in the Netherlands: Nine Eyes member; EU member (GDPR).",
  "url": "https://privacyratings.com/linux-hardening/lynis/",
  "markdown": "https://privacyratings.com/linux-hardening/lynis/index.md",
  "answers": {
    "open_source": {
      "title": "Open source",
      "weight": 3,
      "answer": "yes",
      "evidence": "https://github.com/CISOfy/lynis/blob/master/LICENSE",
      "note": "GPL-3.0."
    },
    "no_trackers": {
      "title": "No trackers or telemetry",
      "weight": 3,
      "answer": "yes",
      "evidence": "https://cisofy.com/privacy/",
      "note": "The website avoids analytics tools and third-party cookies, and the tool has no telemetry in its source code."
    },
    "no_ads": {
      "title": "No ads or data sales",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "yes",
      "evidence": "https://cisofy.com/pricing/",
      "note": "Funded by the paid Lynis Enterprise product, with no ads."
    },
    "independent_audit": {
      "title": "Independent audit",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "no",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "No independent audit is published."
    },
    "transparency_report": {
      "title": "Transparency report",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "user_notice": {
      "title": "Tells users about requests",
      "weight": 1,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "tls": {
      "title": "TLS configuration",
      "weight": 2,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "security_headers": {
      "title": "Security headers",
      "weight": 1,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    },
    "web_standards": {
      "title": "Modern web standards",
      "weight": 1,
      "answer": "n/a",
      "evidence": null,
      "note": "Only applies to hosted services with a website to test."
    }
  },
  "tests": {
    "ssllabs": null,
    "observatory": null,
    "internetnl_web": null,
    "internetnl_mail": null,
    "trackers": [],
    "tested_at": "2026-10-01T06:38:36.105Z"
  },
  "last_modified": "2026-10-01T06:56:31Z"
}