Getting Started with eBPF for Linux Security

eBPF (extended Berkeley Packet Filter) is a revolutionary technology that allows you to run sandboxed programs in the Linux kernel without changing kernel source code or loading kernel modules. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool for security monitoring, performance analysis, and system observability.

What is eBPF?

eBPF enables you to write programs that run in a restricted virtual machine within the Linux kernel. These programs can be attached to various kernel hooks, allowing you to monitor and modify system behavior in real-time.

Key Benefits

• **Zero overhead monitoring**: eBPF programs run efficiently with minimal performance impact
• **Safe execution**: Programs are verified before execution to prevent kernel crashes
• **Dynamic loading**: No need to reboot or recompile the kernel
• **Rich observability**: Access to kernel data structures and events

Use Cases

1. **Security Monitoring**: Detect suspicious system calls and network activity
2. **Performance Analysis**: Track function execution times and bottlenecks
3. **Network Filtering**: Implement custom firewall rules and traffic analysis
4. **System Tracing**: Monitor file system operations and process behavior

Getting Started

To begin working with eBPF, you'll need:

• Linux kernel 4.1+ (eBPF support)
• BCC (BPF Compiler Collection) or libbpf
• Understanding of C programming
• Knowledge of Linux kernel internals

Start with simple programs that trace system calls, then gradually move to more complex security monitoring applications.