Introduction to Linux Server Security Hardening

Upgrade your Kernel. Outdated kernel is always prone to several network and privilege escalation attacks. ...
Disabling Root Cron Jobs. ...
Strict Firewall Rules. ...
Disable unnecessary Services. ...
Check for Backdoors and Rootkits. ...
Use an IDS (Intrusion Testing System) ...
Remove no owner Files. ...
Use SSH and sFTP.

What is Linux security hardening?
What is hardening a server?
Why is Linux hardening important?
What is security Linux?
How do I know if my Linux server is hardening?
How do I improve security on Linux?
What is System hardening checklist?
How can I tell if my server is hardened?
Which is the best way of hardening the system?
What is the benefit of system hardening?
Why OS hardening is required?
Why do we need system hardening?

What is Linux security hardening?

System hardening is the process of doing the 'right' things. The goal is to enhance the security level of the system. There are many aspects to securing a system properly. Yet, the basics are similar for most operating systems. So the system hardening process for Linux desktop and servers is that that special.

What is hardening a server?

Server hardening, in its simplest definition, is the process of boosting a server's protection using viable, effective means. It is recommended to use the CIS benchmarks as a source for hardening benchmarks. You can find below a list of high-level hardening steps that should be taken at the server level.

Why is Linux hardening important?

The more complex a machine gets the more security threats it introduces. ... That is why we need Linux Hardening, to prevent malicious activities to be run on our system through its components, thus making sure Data Security is on top of its game.

What is security Linux?

Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is a Linux kernel security module that provides a mechanism for supporting access control security policies, including mandatory access controls (MAC). SELinux is a set of kernel modifications and user-space tools that have been added to various Linux distributions.

How do I know if my Linux server is hardening?

You can view current status of SELinux mode from the command line using 'system-config-selinux', 'getenforce' or 'sestatus' commands. If it is disabled, enable SELinux using the following command. It also can be managed from '/etc/selinux/config' file, where you can enable or disable it.

How do I improve security on Linux?

So here are five easy steps to enhance your Linux security.

Choose Full Disk Encryption (FDE) No matter which operating system you are using, we recommend that you encrypt your entire hard disk. ...
Keep your software up-to-date. ...
Learn how to use Linux's firewall. ...
Tighten up security in your browser. ...
Use anti-virus software.

What is System hardening checklist?

The hardening checklist typically includes: Automatically applying OS updates, service packs, and patches. Removing or disabling non-essential software, drivers, services, file sharing, and functionality, which can act as back doors to the system.

How can I tell if my server is hardened?

If the administrator user name is Administrator, the system is not hardened. If the administrator user name is SWMaster, the system has been hardened. After logging in to the system as the administrator, press Win+R to open the Run dialog box, enter setwin, and press Enter.

Which is the best way of hardening the system?

Hardening of the OS is the act of configuring an OS securely, updating it, creating rules and policies to help govern the system in a secure manner, and removing unnecessary applications and services. This is done to minimize a computer OS's exposure to threats and to mitigate possible risk.

What is the benefit of system hardening?

Hardening adds to the various levels of security to protect users and their servers. Hardening also removes disabled files and programs that are often forgot about and provide attackers cloaked access to the system.

Why OS hardening is required?

Systems hardening is a collection of tools, techniques, and best practices to reduce vulnerability in technology applications, systems, infrastructure, firmware, and other areas. The goal of systems hardening is to reduce security risk by eliminating potential attack vectors and condensing the system's attack surface.

Why do we need system hardening?

Most computers offer network security features to limit outside access to the system. System hardening, also called Operating System hardening, helps minimize these security vulnerabilities. ... The purpose of system hardening is to eliminate as many security risks as possible.