How to Install Acunetix on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s digital landscape, web application security is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Tools like Acunetix provide powerful Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) capabilities, allowing developers and security professionals to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. If you’re running an Ubuntu environment, deploying Acunetix is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your security posture.
This guide will walk you through the complete installation and initial configuration of Acunetix on Ubuntu, ensuring you have a stable and secure setup ready for vulnerability scanning.
Before You Begin: System Requirements and Prerequisites
Before starting the installation, it’s essential to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements for Acunetix to run smoothly. A system that is under-resourced can lead to slow scans and inaccurate results.
Ensure your Ubuntu server or desktop meets the following minimum specifications:
- Operating System: 64-bit Ubuntu (18.04 LTS or newer is recommended)
- Processor: 64-bit dual-core processor (2.0 GHz or faster)
- Memory: A minimum of 2 GB of RAM, with 4 GB or more recommended for optimal performance.
- Storage: At least 10 GB of available disk space to accommodate the application, its database, and scan results.
- Permissions: You will need sudo or root access to execute the installation script and configure system services.
Step 1: Download the Acunetix Installation File
First, you need to obtain the latest installer for Linux from the official Acunetix website. You can download this directly to your server using a command-line tool like wget.
Open your terminal and run the following command, replacing the placeholder URL with the actual download link provided to you by Acunetix:
wget [URL_for_acunetix_linux_installer.sh]
This command will download the installation script directly into your current directory.
Step 2: Make the Installer Executable
By default, downloaded files do not have execute permissions. You must change the file’s permissions to allow it to run as a program.
Use the chmod command to add execute permissions to the script:
chmod +x acunetix_v[version_number]_x64.sh
Remember to replace the filename with the exact name of the file you downloaded.
Step 3: Run the Acunetix Installer
With the script now executable, you can begin the installation process. It’s crucial to run the installer with superuser privileges so it can create necessary directories, users, and system services.
Execute the following command:
sudo ./acunetix_v[version_number]_x64.sh
The installer will guide you through a series of prompts:
- License Agreement: You will first be asked to read and accept the End-User License Agreement (EULA).
- Master User Creation: You will be prompted to set up the primary administrator account. You must provide a valid email address and a strong, unique password. This account will be used to log in to the Acunetix web interface.
- Installation Path: You can choose the default installation directory or specify a custom path. For most users, the default is sufficient.
The installer will then proceed to copy the necessary files, set up the database, and configure the required services.
Step 4: Accessing the Acunetix Web Interface
Once the installation is complete, the Acunetix services will start automatically. You can now access the web-based user interface from a browser. By default, Acunetix listens on port 3443.
Open your web browser and navigate to:
https://localhost:3443
If you are accessing it from a different machine on the network, replace localhost with your Ubuntu server’s IP address.
Note: Acunetix uses a self-signed SSL certificate by default. Your browser will likely display a security warning. This is expected behavior, and you can safely proceed to the login page.
Log in using the email address and password you created during the installation process. Upon your first login, you will be prompted to enter your license key to activate the product and complete the initial setup.
Essential Security Best Practices
A security tool itself must be secure. To protect your Acunetix installation, consider the following actionable tips:
Configure a Firewall: It is crucial to restrict access to the Acunetix web interface. Use Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall (
ufw) to only allow access from trusted IP addresses. For example, to only allow access from your specific IP, you would run:sudo ufw allow from [your_trusted_ip] to any port 3443Use Strong Credentials: The master user account has full control over the application. Ensure the password you set is strong and not reused elsewhere.
Keep Acunetix Updated: The threat landscape is constantly evolving. Regularly update your Acunetix installation to ensure you have the latest vulnerability checks, security patches, and performance improvements.
By following these steps, you have successfully deployed a powerful web vulnerability scanner on your Ubuntu system, ready to help you build a more secure digital environment.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/how-to-install-acunetix-on-ubuntu-18-04/
