Linux Server Security Hardening

When hardening a linux system one of the first steps is to look at the network traffic that comes in and goes out.

Linux server security hardening.

Patch third party applications. What is system hardening. The following instructions assume that you are using centos rhel or ubuntu debian based linux distribution. If you are using a cloud server then your neighbor systems might not be as friendly as the ones in your own home network.

To improve the security level of a system we take different types of measures. Avoid legacy communication services. Linux security from the inside internal hardening generally lends itself to applications where users are allowed to execute programs within the system such as a shared hosting environment. Secure bios and disable usb booting.

Security enhanced linux selinux is a compulsory access control security mechanism provided in the kernel. Here are 23 security tips to guide you through hardening your linux operating system. Enable and configure firewall. Don t fall for this assumption and open yourself up to a potentially costly security breach.

Disable remote root access. Linux hardening tools are typically used for configuration audit and system hardening. This could be the removal of an existing system service or uninstall some software components. Encrypt data communication for linux server.

Maintain user accounts and password policy. Most people assume that linux is already secure and that s a false assumption. Think twice carefully before removing if your system is attached to internet and accessed by the public then think some more on it. So it is wise to filter out unwanted network traffic or better only allow wanted traffic.

You should install aide software before connecting the system to a network if possible. Keep kernel and packages up to date. Disable root console access. Read more in the article below which was originally published here on networkworld.

For greater linux server security hardening it s recommended that you use integrity checking software before you take a system into a production environment online. Users for these tools include auditors security professionals system administrators. Linux hardening security tips for professionals. Linux server hardening security tips and checklist.

Hardening your linux server can be done in 15 steps. Encrypt transmitted data whenever possible with password or using keys certificates. Patch the operating system.