IT Pro Tuesday #338
Welcome back to IT Pro Tuesday!
We’re looking for your favorite tips and tools we can share with the community… those that help you do your job better and more easily. Please share your suggestions on the IT Pro Tuesday subreddit, and we’ll be featuring them in the coming weeks.
Now on to this week’s list!
Your Open-Source Shield Against Malware
Sysadmins, meet ClamAV—the no-nonsense, open-source antivirus built for those who want control and flexibility. It’s lightweight, fast, and deadly efficient at detecting trojans, viruses, and malware across emails, files, and servers. Whether you’re safeguarding a Linux mail gateway or scanning endpoints, ClamAV gets the job done without the bloat. Plus, with its constantly updated threat database, it stays ahead of the latest nasties. If you need a free, reliable, and customizable security tool, ClamAV is a no-brainer.
Expose Web Vulnerabilities Before Hackers Do
Nikto is like having a ruthless web security auditor at your disposal—no fluff, just results. This open-source scanner rips through web servers, uncovering outdated software, misconfigurations, and security holes before attackers do. It’s simple to run, brutally effective, and constantly updated to detect new threats. If you’re responsible for web security, Nikto should be in your arsenal. Run it, review the vulnerabilities, and patch before someone else exploits them.
ZAP by Checkmarx – The Web App Security Powerhouse
If you’re in the business of securing web applications, ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a must-have. This free and open-source tool helps sysadmins and pentesters find vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. It’s easy to use, integrates well with CI/CD pipelines, and provides powerful scanning capabilities for web applications. Whether you’re a seasoned security pro or just getting started, ZAP is your go-to for hunting down security flaws without breaking the bank.
A Tool That Acts Like The Swiss Army Knife for Web Security
Burp Suite isn’t just a tool; it’s a full-on security workstation for web applications. The Community Edition offers an interactive proxy, scanner, and various manual tools to analyze and attack web apps. While the free version lacks automation, it still provides sysadmins with a deep dive into how data flows through their applications. Want to understand what your web apps are leaking? Fire up Burp and start digging—it’s an essential weapon in any security arsenal.
Social-Engineer Toolkit (SET) – Master the Art of Cyber Deception
Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and patches—it’s about understanding human weaknesses. SET is a powerful, open-source framework designed for social engineering attacks. It lets you craft convincing phishing emails, create malicious payloads, and simulate real-world attacks to test your defenses. Whether you’re a sysadmin training employees or testing your own security posture, SET gives you an edge against social engineering threats. If attackers are using it against you, why not beat them at their own game?
P.S. Bonus Free TOOLS/RESOURCES
4sysops is a go-to blog for IT professionals, featuring expert insights from industry specialists. It delivers in-depth content on systems administration, cloud computing, and DevOps, covering technical solutions, troubleshooting guides, and real-world experiences. From deployment and desktop management to virtualization, security, monitoring, and backups, 4sysops provides hands-on tutorials and practical advice. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the latest trends in IT, this specialist blog is definitely worth following.
r/sysadmin is a MUST for every sysadmin around the globe! As a vibrant Reddit community, system administrators and IT professionals come together to share insights, discuss challenges, and seek advice on everything from troubleshooting day-to-day issues to discussing the latest industry trends. This subreddit is a hub for real-world experiences, best practices, and engaging discussions on topics like automation, network security, cloud management, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in IT, r/sysadmin is a great place to learn, connect, and stay current with the evolving landscape of systems administration.
