Security is Always Essential

1. Ensure the Essentials

Creating a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication are the first steps to securing any system. A password must contain at least ten characters, including special characters and letters (lowercase or uppercase). For different users or software systems, use separate passwords. Change the password in a specific period because no password can provide adequate protection indefinitely....

2. Create a Pair of SSH Keys

Passwords can help, but there are other ways to log into private servers that are considerably more secure. Secure Shell (SSH) key pairs are recommended for deployment since they make brute force hacking more difficult....

3. Keep the System Up-to-Date

Make sure you check for regular updates to keep the Linux server secure. New patches can address newly discovered vulnerabilities to evaluate security flaws. Unfortunately, many Linux users cannot implement these updates. As a result, the server can become vulnerable and easy to hack. Consider automating the process if you’re having trouble keeping up with the required security updates....

4. Remove All Unnecessary Software

Although installing new software is appealing, not all online services are essential. You can add different packages to extend the functionalities, which is good. Once you install any package, then it gains access to your server. However, adding more packages, software, and third-party repositories can lead to higher vulnerabilities for the server. It is necessary to remove all unnecessary packages and software to secure the Linux server....

5. Check and Close the Open Port

Open ports may reveal network architectural information while extending attack surfaces. Attackers can exploit these types of vulnerabilities to access the server. To take it down one step further, block the unused ports to avoid any new service binding to them....

6.  Turn off External Device Booting

Malicious users can readily use external devices like USB drives to access critical information. Disabling external device booting can reduce physical attacks, which can be just as dangerous as hacking. Anyone can readily bypass many security layers without this extra step. Hence, make sure you turn off all external devices booting to keep the server secured....

7. Security Audits are Important

While the tips listed above can help you feel more secure as you work to strengthen the security server, new dangers could emerge at any time. Even the most secure server will become vulnerable to new threats if it is not updated correctly. Of course, software upgrades are essential, but security audits can reveal other worthwhile improvements....

8. Create and Maintain Backups Regularly

Backups are essential to keep any system secure. With backups, you can restore crucial data in case any incursion occurs on the server. In Linux, the application Rsync is a popular choice for data backup. It includes several options that enable you to create daily backups or exclude particular files from being duplicated....

9. Enable Firewall

The firewall can secure the system from unauthorized access. Hence, it is good to inspect the firewall to ensure the server’s security. iptables offer a fantastic way to filter all outgoing, incoming, and forwarding IP packets....

10. Use SELinux

SELinux, also known as Security-enhanced Linux, is a fantastic security architecture for Linux. It allows a server admin to control and access the system. SELinux uses different security policies to understand any server’s accessible and accessible points....

Security is Always Essential

Securing your Linux server with extra effort can go a long way. Remember that Linux hardening and server security is a continuous process that causes regular audits, software patches, and data backups. Your efforts to stay on top of these requirements could save you a lot of headaches....