# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.16 Ensure rsync service is not enabled

> Verify that rsync service is disabled when not required

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-16-ensure-rsync-service-is-not-enab` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-16-ensure-rsync-service-is-not-enab`
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- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
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- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-16-ensure-rsync-service-is-not-enab

---


# 2.2.16 Ensure rsync service is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `rsyncd` service can be used to synchronize files between systems over network links.

## Rationale

The `rsyncd` service presents a security risk as it uses unencrypted protocols for communication.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command to verify that the `rsync` service is not enabled:

```bash
grep ^RSYNC_ENABLE /etc/default/rsync
```

Expected output:

```
RSYNC_ENABLE=false
```

## Expected Result

The output should show `RSYNC_ENABLE=false`.

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/default/rsync` file and set `RSYNC_ENABLE` to `false`:

```
RSYNC_ENABLE=false
```

## Default Value

rsync service is not enabled by default (`RSYNC_ENABLE=false`).

## References

- CIS Controls: 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation