Before making changes to systems, special care should go into testing. This is even more important for changes made to systems that are in production. For those items that you don’t fully understand, follow up by doing more research first instead of just copy-pasting configuration snippets. This checklist has been created based on our knowledge and additional research. A critical view on any of the suggestions is not just a good idea, but required. This way you gain the best possible understanding of the subject and make the right decision.
Secure user accounts by using strong passwords, limiting root access, regularly reviewing user privileges, and using account expiration policies. System hardening is the process of securing a system by reducing possible weaknesses. This is done by restricting access and linux hardening and security lessons capabilities of the kernel, software components, and its configuration. The so-called attack surface gets smaller, making the system more secure. System hardening resources such as hardening guides are typically consisting of best practices within a field of expertise.
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It speeds up the installation, reduces disk space, and decreases the risk of vulnerable software packages later on. If you want to achieve the maximum security of your Linux distribution, consider first how well the hardware is https://remotemode.net/ protected. Most of these related settings can be done in the BIOS, often accessible by pressing a key during the boot process. The internet contains a lot of resources of value, especially when it comes to technical subjects.
In the area of system operations or information security, the usage of any checklist requires a serious warning. Implementing the listed security measures only makes your system more secure if done correctly. There are no ’10 things’ that are the best, as it depends strongly on each system and its purpose. When you come across other checklists with a number in the title, then most likely it’s not a real checklist. Like hardening and securing an operating system, a good checklist requires dedication and a lot of work.
Chapter 7 : Auditing and Compliance
Secure SSH access by using key-based authentication, changing the default port, disabling root login, and using tools like Fail2Ban to prevent brute force attacks. Most Linux distributions use the modular framework named PAM, which is short for pluggable authentication module. The framework allows configuring most of the settings related to authentication, such as where to check that a user or account exists. It also includes the configuration related to password strength, two-factor authentication, and even protection mechanisms against brute-force attacks. Kernel hardening involves securing the Linux kernel, the core of the operating system, against various types of attacks.
- The framework allows configuring most of the settings related to authentication, such as where to check that a user or account exists.
- This is done by restricting access and capabilities of the kernel, software components, and its configuration.
- This is even more important for changes made to systems that are in production.
View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring. Jason has professional experience with CentOS, RedHat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and Ubuntu. He has used several Linux distributions on personal projects including Debian, Slackware, CrunchBang, and others. In addition to Linux, Jason has experience supporting proprietary Unix operating systems including AIX, HP-UX, and Solaris.
Bash Script – Logging in Bash
Like the authoritative resources above, there are specialized companies in the field. To prevent giving any company special treatment, we will not mention any unless it warrants a mention. Examples may include kernel development, work on security software, or other great contributions to the field.
- You’ll even learn some security concepts that apply to information security as a whole while focusing on the Linux specific issues that require special consideration.
- A proper partitioning structure helps with splitting executable code from data.
- This way you gain the best possible understanding of the subject and make the right decision.
- The software for the system is typically selected during the installation phase.
- Additionally useful are tools that actually also implement some of the hardening measures.
- Before making changes to systems, special care should go into testing.
Linux Security and Hardening involve implementing practices and tools to protect Linux systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats. It encompasses securing the operating system, applications, network, and users. Throughout this training, we provide practical examples, command-line instructions, and configuration tips to help you implement the recommended security practices. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and skills to strengthen the security of your Linux systems, protect valuable data, and mitigate potential risks. Welcome to our comprehensive Linux Security and Hardening training, where we delve into the world of securing Linux systems and implementing robust defense mechanisms.