MDM for Linux: Securely manage your devices from Hexnode

Linux is the robust, open-source kernel foundation for distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Managing these endpoints effectively is critical for enterprise security. Hexnode UEM delivers a powerful MDM for Linux solution, offering granular control over device fleets ranging from developer workstations to digital signage.

Below is a breakdown of the core capabilities available for getting started with Linux device management.

Core Management Features

Device Enrollment

Streamline the onboarding process for your Linux fleet. Hexnode allows for quick enrollment via the Command Line Interface (CLI), enabling administrators to bulk-enroll devices efficiently using simple script execution.

• Key Action: Enroll devices using CLI commands.
• Benefit: Reduces manual setup time and ensures devices connect immediately to the MDM server.

Password Policy Enforcement

Secure your endpoints by enforcing strict authentication standards. You can configure and deploy complex password policies to ensure all managed Linux devices meet organization security compliance.

• Capabilities: Set complexity requirements, expiration dates, and history restrictions.

Device Restrictions

Grant or deny access to specific device features to maintain productivity and security. Hexnode UEM enables admins to lock down devices or restrict access to non-essential system functions.

• Use Case: Prevent unauthorized external media use or restrict specific system settings.

OS Updates & Patch Management

Keep your environment secure against vulnerabilities by managing OS updates. Hexnode facilitates the scheduling and deployment of critical updates to optimize performance and close security gaps.

• Why it matters: Automating updates ensures compliance without disrupting user workflows.

Custom Script Execution

Go beyond standard configurations by deploying Custom Scripts. Administrators can automate routine tasks, push complex configurations, or install software packages not natively supported by the UI.

• Flexibility: Bash or Python scripts can be pushed directly from the Hexnode console.

Network Security (Wi-Fi)

Ensure seamless and secure connectivity by pushing pre-configured Wi-Fi settings to devices. This prevents users from connecting to insecure networks and ensures devices automatically join corporate networks.

Remote View & Control

Troubleshoot issues without physical access.

• Remote View: Monitor the device screen in real-time from the Hexnode console.
• Remote Control: Intervene directly to resolve technical issues, reducing downtime for remote employees.

Web Content Filtering

Enhance productivity and security by managing web access. The Web Content Filtering feature allows admins to block access to malicious or non-compliant websites, ensuring devices are used strictly for business purposes.

Certificate Management

Deploy and manage digital certificates to secure communications and validate device identity. This is essential for accessing encrypted corporate resources and setting up secure VPN or Wi-Fi connections.

Wallpaper Customization

Standardize your corporate branding across all endpoints. Create and deploy a Wallpaper Policy to set specific backgrounds on target Linux devices, ensuring a professional and uniform look.

Local Account Management

Remotely manage local user accounts on target devices. This feature allows admins to add, delete, or modify user accounts, ensuring only authorized personnel have access to specific machines.

Live Terminal Access

Execute commands in real-time with Live Terminal. This feature provides direct root-level access to the device’s command line from the web console for advanced troubleshooting and auditing.

Troubleshooting Common Linux MDM Issues

Issue: Remote View/Control is showing a black screen or failing to connect.

Probable Cause: The FUSE (Filesystem in Userspace) library might be missing, or the device is using a display manager other than X11 (e.g., Wayland).

Solution:

• Ensure the device is running the X11 display manager (Remote Control often has limited support for Wayland).
• Install the FUSE library via terminal:
  • Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt install fuse
  • Fedora/CentOS: sudo dnf install fuse

Issue: Device enrollment fails via CLI.

Probable Cause: Incorrect server name, network firewalls blocking communication, or incorrect system time.

Solution:

• Verify the portal name is entered correctly in the enrollment script.
• Ensure port 443 is open for outbound traffic to Hexnode servers.
• Check that the device’s system time and date are synchronized with an NTP server.

Issue: Custom scripts are returning “Execution Failed”.

Probable Cause: Syntax errors in the script or insufficient permissions.

Solution:

• Test the script locally on a test machine before deployment.
• Ensure the script includes the correct shebang (e.g., #!/bin/bash) at the top.
• Verify the script does not require interactive user input (prompts), as MDM scripts run in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which Linux distributions does Hexnode MDM support?

Hexnode supports a wide range of distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Mint. Always check the specific version compatibility in the official documentation as support varies by agent version.

Q: Can Hexnode manage both Linux servers as well as workstations?

Yes. Hexnode’s Linux agent is compatible with both desktop and server environments (headless capability varies by feature), allowing for patch management, scripting, and asset tracking on servers.

Q: Is physical access required to enroll Linux devices?

No, but initial setup usually requires running a command on the device. This can be automated using SSH if you have network access, or the command can be distributed to users for self-enrollment.

Q: Does Remote Control work on all Linux devices?

Remote Control typically requires a graphical user interface (GUI) running the X11 windowing system. Headless servers (CLI only) support the Live Terminal feature but not graphical Remote Control.