Managing Linux endpoints at scale demands more than manual oversight. Hexnode UEM enables IT teams to embed automation directly into everyday administration—executing scripts, deploying patches, enforcing security, and adjusting configurations without human intervention. By turning routine maintenance into background processes, organizations gain a self‑healing infrastructure where devices stay compliant, resilient, and production‑ready. From restarting services to rolling out kernel updates, automation ensures Linux systems remain efficient, secure, and aligned with enterprise standards.
Device Control: Administration Essentials
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Power Off |
Remotely shuts down the Linux endpoint. |
Automated Shutdowns: Automatically shutting down non-critical workstations in labs at 10 PM ensures energy conservation and reduces the window for network attacks during off-hours. |
| Restart Device |
Triggers an immediate reboot of the system. |
System Refresh: Scheduling periodic automated restarts for Linux kiosks ensures memory is cleared and processes are refreshed to prevent “hanging” or sluggish performance. |
| Set Friendly Name |
Assigns a custom label in the Hexnode portal. |
Server Organization: Using wildcards like %serial% to automate naming during enrollment ensures your server fleet is instantly identifiable without manual record-keeping. |
| Change Owner/Ownership |
Reassigns the device to a new user or status. |
Access Re-alignment: When a workstation transfers from “Dev” to “QA,” automation updates the owner, triggering the removal of dev tools and pushing testing environments. |
| Change ownership |
Switches the device’s management status between Personal (BYOD) and Corporate. |
Privacy Enforcement — Automatically switching a device to Corporate based on serial number ensures the correct management level is applied immediately upon enrollment. |
| Update OS |
Deploys the latest Linux kernel and package updates. |
Security Hardening: Automating the update process ensures critical security patches are applied across all endpoints as soon as released, keeping the fleet compliant. |
| Edit Device Attributes |
Modifies metadata like Asset Tag or Department. |
Dynamic Inventory: Automating attribute updates based on a device’s current group keeps asset tracking accurate without manual data entry in the UEM console. |
Policy: Compliance Rules
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Associate Policy |
Links a security or configuration policy to the device. |
Instant Compliance: Automation applies a “Firewall Policy” the moment a device is detected as non-compliant, shielding the machine until it meets company standards. |
| Remove Policy |
Detaches a specific policy from the device or group. |
Maintenance Windows: Automatically removing restricted policies during scheduled windows allows admins to perform deep system checks otherwise blocked by security rules. |
Scans: Status Checks
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Scan Device |
Refreshes hardware info, disk space, and battery data. |
Proactive Maintenance: Scheduled scans help IT detect low disk space, allowing automated cleanup scripts to trigger before a system crash occurs. |
| Sync Local Accounts |
Fetches info about all local user accounts. |
Admin Audit: Daily automated syncs allow IT to instantly detect if an unauthorized user has gained “sudo” or root privileges, alerting the security team. |
| Scan for Apps |
Updates the list of all installed packages/applications. |
Software Compliance: Automated app scans help identify “Shadow IT,” allowing the system to trigger automated cleanups or alerts immediately. |
User Controls: Account Management
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Create User Account |
Remotely creates a new local user on the machine. |
Scalable Onboarding: Automating the creation of a local “Standard User” during enrollment ensures the device is ready for use without manual terminal commands. |
Security: Data Protection
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Lock Device |
Instantly locks the Linux session or screen. |
Security Enforcement: If a Linux laptop is detected outside a “Safe Zone,” automation locks the screen instantly to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. |
| Wipe Device |
Erases data and restores the device to a clean state. |
Data Destruction: In the event of a severe breach or theft, automation triggers a full wipe to ensure proprietary code and config files are permanently destroyed. |
Scripts: Custom Automation
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Execute Custom Script |
Runs Shell (.sh) or Python scripts remotely. |
Self-Healing Infrastructure: Automating a script to restart a crashed service (like Nginx or Docker) allows the system to repair itself without admin intervention. |
App Management: Software Control
| Action Name |
Definition |
Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps |
| Install Application |
Remotely pushes a package for installation. |
Workflow Ready: Automating the install of monitoring agents upon enrollment ensures a server is fully managed and visible before going live in production. |
| Uninstall Application |
Removes a specific package or app from the device. |
Policy Cleanup: If a scan detects a forbidden or vulnerable package, automation instantly removes it to keep the fleet in line with security policies. |
