Ever wish endpoint security felt less like a chore and more like a quick setup? If you run a mixed fleet of Linux and Mac, you need solid protection that installs fast, stays light, and reports back cleanly. That is the sweet spot for the CrowdStrike Falcon sensor. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through grabbing the right installer, applying your Customer ID, and verifying that everything is talking to the Falcon console as expected. The goal is simple: know how to install CrowdStrike Falcon on Linux and MacOS without guesswork.
If you want a broader view of how AI-driven tools support endpoint security, this primer on AI Cybersecurity Explained sets helpful context for why sensors like Falcon matter.
Part 1: Gathering Supplies (The Essential Pre-Deployment Check)
Photo by Dan Nelson
Image description: A person preparing a secure endpoint installation on a laptop. Image created with AI
Before touching any endpoint, make sure you have the two items below. Skipping this step wastes time later.
Downloading the Right Falcon Sensor File for Each Operating System
From your Falcon console, download the correct installer for your OS:
- Linux: grab either the
.debpackage for Debian or Ubuntu, or the.rpmpackage for Red Hat, CentOS, Rocky, Alma, or SUSE. - macOS: download the
.pkginstaller.
CrowdStrike’s official guide shows where to find Linux downloads in the console and how the flow looks end to end. Here is the reference: Installing Falcon Sensor for Linux. A quick video walk-through is also available if you prefer visuals: How to Install the CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor.
A quick mapping helps:
| Platform | File type | Common distros or versions |
|---|---|---|
| Linux | .deb | Debian, Ubuntu |
| Linux | .rpm | RHEL, CentOS, Rocky, Alma, SUSE |
| macOS | .pkg | macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and later |
Finding and Saving Your Unique Customer ID (CID)
Your Customer ID ties each sensor to your tenant. It is long and case sensitive, and it is required to activate the sensor. In the Falcon console, go to Host Setup and Management, then Sensor Downloads to copy your CID. Double-check it before you paste it into commands. A typo means the sensor will not register.
Tip: Keep your CID handy in a secure note during install. You will need it for both Linux and Mac.
Part 2: Simple Steps to Install CrowdStrike Falcon on Linux
You will need sudo or root access. Copy the sensor package onto the machine before you begin.
Installing the Sensor Package Using Terminal Commands
Use the installer that matches your distro. The commands below assume the file is in your current directory.
- Debian or Ubuntu:
- sudo dpkg -i falcon-sensor-[VERSION].deb
- Red Hat or CentOS, Rocky, Alma:
- sudo rpm -ivh falcon-sensor-[VERSION].rpm
- SUSE or openSUSE:
- sudo zypper install falcon-sensor-[VERSION].rpm
If your team prefers a step-by-step visual with distro-specific notes, this vendor-neutral article is handy: How to Install CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor.
Some environments prompt to confirm. Type Y if asked. If dpkg reports missing dependencies, run apt-get -f install, then retry dpkg.
Activating the Falcon Sensor with the Customer ID
After installation, register the sensor with your CID so it reports to your tenant.
- Linux activation:
- sudo /opt/CrowdStrike/falconctl -s –cid=YOUR_CUSTOMER_ID_HERE
Some admins prefer to start the service explicitly, which is fine:
- Systemd:
- sudo systemctl start falcon-sensor
- SysVinit:
- sudo service falcon-sensor start
No reboots are required, which makes rollout easier during business hours. If you want an official reference for the Linux flow from console to CID setup, this vendor page is a good refresher: Installing Falcon Sensor for Linux.
Part 3: Effortless Guide to Install CrowdStrike Falcon on macOS
Modern macOS versions require extra approvals for security. That is normal. You can handle them with an MDM profile or allow them on the device during setup.
Running the Standard macOS Installer (.pkg file)
Start by double-clicking the .pkg and following the prompts. You will likely be asked for an administrator password. Larger teams often push the PKG and profiles via MDM to avoid prompts on each device. Universities and IT groups document the same approach, like this walkthrough: Installing the CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor for macOS.
Crucial Mac Security Step: Approving the System Extension
macOS blocks system extensions until approved. This protects the OS, but it means you need to allow Falcon.
- Go to Apple menu, System Settings (or System Preferences), Privacy & Security.
- If you see an alert about system software from CrowdStrike, click Allow. You may see Details on newer versions.
- Approve the Falcon System Extension and Network Filter extension.
- Grant Full Disk Access to Falcon so it can inspect files and detect threats properly.
If Full Disk Access is not granted, the sensor may run in reduced functionality mode. That limits what it can see. This is why MDM-based profiles are recommended, since they pre-approve the required permissions and avoid pop-ups.
Complete Activation on Mac via Terminal
After installing and approving the prompts, register the sensor to your tenant.
- macOS activation:
- sudo /Library/CS/falconctl -s -f –cid=YOUR_CUSTOMER_ID_HERE
The -f flag forces the update, which is helpful during first-time setup. As with Linux, no reboot is needed, so you can move through a batch of devices quickly.
If you want a high-level video walkthrough that includes getting installers and verification steps, this official clip helps: How to Install the CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor.
Final Check: Making Sure Falcon is Running and Protected
Your goal here is simple. Confirm the process is running, the CID is set, and the device shows up in your Falcon console.
Confirming Sensor Status and CID Verification
Use falconctl to check the CID that is registered on the host.
- Linux:
- sudo /opt/CrowdStrike/falconctl -g –cid
- macOS:
- sudo /Library/CS/falconctl -g –cid
If you see the correct CID, the sensor is tied to your tenant. You can also check the process:
- Linux:
- ps -e | grep falcon-sensor
- macOS:
- Activity Monitor, then search for Falcon, or use ps in Terminal.
Last, open the Falcon console and confirm the host appears on the Newly Installed Sensors view. You should see it report in shortly after activation.
Simple Troubleshooting Tips for Connection Issues
A few quick checks fix most first-run issues:
- Re-check the CID for typos. A single wrong character breaks registration.
- On Mac, confirm the System Extension and Network Filter were allowed, and that Falcon has Full Disk Access.
- Make sure the endpoint has network access to the CrowdStrike cloud. Some environments require explicit proxy or firewall rules.
- On Linux, try starting the service again:
- sudo systemctl restart falcon-sensor
- If an install failed, remove then reinstall the package, then reapply your CID.
For teams thinking beyond endpoints and into autonomous response, this hands-on take on Darktrace AI Security Review shows how other AI security layers can complement an EDR like Falcon. For a bigger-picture risk outlook, you may also find value in this breakdown of Microsoft’s AI Cyber Warfare Alert.
Why this setup works
- Fast rollout: No reboots required, which lines up well with tight maintenance windows.
- Strong defaults: With CID set and services running, endpoints start reporting within minutes.
- MDM friendly: On macOS, pre-approve extensions and privacy settings to avoid prompts.
Need an official, Linux-focused checklist you can bookmark for your team wiki? Keep this one on hand: Installing Falcon Sensor for Linux.
Wrap-up: Locked in and reporting cleanly
You gathered the installers, applied your Customer ID, and verified status for both Linux and macOS. That means your endpoints are now active in Falcon, sending events to your console, and ready to detect threats. Keep your sensor versions current, approve Mac security prompts via MDM, and spot check new hosts as they come online. If your stakeholders want more context on AI’s role in defense, share this overview on Understanding AI-Powered Security. With the basics in place, you have a reliable foundation for endpoint protection across your environment.
