ubuntu-security-status

Display the number of unsupported packages

$ ubuntu-security-status

$ ubuntu-security-status --unavailable

$ ubuntu-security-status --thirdparty

ubuntu-security-status

The ubuntu-security-status command provides a summary of the security status of an Ubuntu system. It analyzes installed packages and compares them against the Ubuntu Security Notices (USNs) database to identify packages with pending security updates.
The command presents information about the number of updates available, categorized by urgency. This allows users to quickly assess the system's vulnerability and prioritize applying necessary security patches. The tool helps system administrators manage the security posture of their Ubuntu systems and maintain a secure environment. It can be run interactively or within scripts for automated security assessments.

This command relies on having an updated package list and access to the Ubuntu Security Notices database. In environments with limited or no internet connectivity, the reported status may be inaccurate. Also, the tool may not be aware of all possible exploits or vulnerabilities, so it shouldn't be considered a replacement for comprehensive security audits.

The command output typically includes information about the number of pending security updates, categorized by urgency levels like 'critical', 'high', 'medium', and 'low'. A higher number of 'critical' or 'high' updates indicates a more urgent need for patching. The output also often includes details on the specific packages with available updates and links to corresponding USNs for more information.

ubuntu-security-status can be used in automated scripts to regularly check for security updates. This allows administrators to monitor the security posture of multiple systems and take proactive steps to apply necessary patches.
By integrating this command into a cron job or other automation system, you can ensure that systems are regularly assessed for vulnerabilities and that appropriate actions are taken.

The ubuntu-security-status command was introduced as part of Ubuntu's efforts to simplify security management and improve system security. It provides a user-friendly way to check the security update status of a system. Its primary goal is to make it easier for users and administrators to identify and apply critical security patches, reducing the risk of exploitation.

apt(8), apt-get(8), unattended-upgrades(7)