# Rootkit Hunter privacy rating

A shell-script scanner that checks Unix-like systems for rootkits, backdoors and local exploits by comparing file hashes and looking for suspicious files and settings. It has had no new release since version 1.4.6.

## Summary

Rootkit Hunter 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.

- Website: https://rkhunter.sourceforge.net
- Source code: https://sourceforge.net/p/rkhunter/rkh_code/ci/master/tree/
- Platforms: Linux, macOS
- Category: [Linux hardening](https://privacyratings.com/linux-hardening/)
- Grade: B (80/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | GPL-2.0. | https://sourceforge.net/projects/rkhunter/ |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | No telemetry or analytics in the source code. It only contacts the network when the user asks it to check for updates. | https://rkhunter.sourceforge.net |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Free volunteer project with no ads or data sales. | https://rkhunter.sourceforge.net |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/linux-hardening/rkhunter/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/linux-hardening/rkhunter.md