To configure the default SELinux mode, edit the configuration file for SELinux, /etc/selinux/config, and set the value of the SELINUX directive to enforcing, or permissive.
Disabling SELinux or setting it to permissive mode prevents SELinux from protecting the system. Changing SELinux status by using the setenforce command is temporary and reverts after restart.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to configure SELinux policies, learn about the key SELinux commands, and gain insights into troubleshooting and maintaining SELinux in your environment.
Learning how to configure SELinux on Linux server systems is essential for hardening production workloads in 2026. SELinux enforces mandatory access control to contain breaches, limit lateral movement, and reduce zero-day impact.