Configure AIDE for file integrity on Slackware

1. Goal

Create an integrity database and use it to detect unexpected changes to critical files.

2. Files and components involved

/etc/aide.conf
/var/lib/aide
/usr/bin/aide

3. Operational flow

aide --init
copy aide.db.new as the active database
schedule aide --check in cron

4. Operational verification

aide --check
ls -lh /var/lib/aide
tail -n 20 /var/log/cron

5. Practical notes

Apply these changes during a maintenance window and keep a backup of the original files for a quick rollback.

Tightening a policy without an alternative access path is the fastest way to lock out legitimate users as well.

Quick checklist

[ ] Backup or copy of the existing configuration completed
[ ] Files and commands updated as expected
[ ] Local test completed successfully
[ ] Logs or final output verified
[ ] Rollback procedure documented

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