How I Use netstat and ss to Catch Suspicious Connections on Linux | by Faruk Ahmed | Jul, 2025

#netstat #connections #linux #catch

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How I Use netstat and ss to Catch Suspicious Connections on Linux

Intro: Sometimes the biggest threats to your Linux server aren’t in the logs — they’re quietly hiding in plain sight, listening on open ports or making outbound connections you didn’t authorize. This post explains how I use netstat and ss to find those sneaky processes and shut them down before they become a real problem.

🔍 1. The Threat: Undetected Network Activity

Most malware and unauthorized scripts “call home” or open ports to accept commands. If you’re not checking for this regularly, you’re trusting every connection your server makes.

⚙️ 2. Install net-tools and Use netstat

On older systems or for familiarity:

# Debian/Ubuntu:sudo apt install net-tools

# Red Hat/CentOS:sudo yum install net-tools

Check all listening ports:

sudo netstat -tulnp

This lists:

Protocol (tcp, udp)
Local address/port
PID/Program name

🚀 3. Use ss for Faster and Modern Analysis

👉 Read Full Blog on Medium Here

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