SELKS For Linux

SELKS (Suricata Elasticsearch Logstash Kibana Scirius) is a freely distributed and open source computer operating system derived from the award winning Debiand GNU/Linux distribution and built around the well known Suricata network monitoring and IPS/IDS system. It is described by its developers as a live and installable Network Security Management.

The operating system is distributed as a Live DVD ISO image that has approximately 900 MB in size and contains software packages optimized only for 64-bit (x86_64) instruction set architectures. This means that you will need a 64-bit computer in order to use the SELKS distro.

The Live DVD boot menu includes various useful options, such as the ability to start the live system with normal configuration or in failsafe mode, as well as to start the text-mode or graphical installers directly. Some advanced boot options are also included, such as the ability to view detailed information about your computer’s hardware components, using HDT (Hardware Detection Tool).

The SELKS Linux distribution uses the lightweight and ultra-fast LXDE desktop environment, which provides a traditional, easy-to-use and familiar graphical environment, comprised of a single panel located on the bottom edge of the screen.

The panel can be used to navigate the main menu, cycle between virtual workspaces, launch frequently used apps, interact with running programs or access the system tray area. Default application include the Iceweasel web browser, Wireshark network scanner and Midnight Commander file manager.

SELKS means nothing in English or other language! The name of the distribution is based on the first letters of the main components it is built on - Suricata, Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana and Scirius. The latter is a web-based management interface for Suricata, developed by the same team of developers who delivered the Linux distribution reviewed here.