21 Days of DevOps Interview - Day 9- How to secure your Linux system

#linux #security #devops

Securing a Linux system involves a combination of good practices, configuration changes, and ongoing maintenance. Here are some key steps to securing a Linux system:
1️⃣ Regular Updates: Apply security patches with apt-get or yum to keep the system updated.
2️⃣ Minimal Installation: Only install the necessary packages to reduce vulnerability exposure.
3️⃣ Secure SSH: Increase security by changing the default SSH port, disabling root login, implementing key-based authentication, and adding two-factor authentication.
4️⃣ Disable Unused Services: Use systemctl to manage and disable unnecessary services.
5️⃣ Firewall Configuration: To secure service access and manage inbound and outbound traffic using iptables or ufw.
6️⃣ SELinux: Employ Security-Enhanced Linux to enforce access control policies.
7️⃣ Regular Backups: Secure your data with regular backups using rsync and tar, and ensure they are stored securely.
8️⃣ Vulnerability Scanning: Utilize scanning tools like OpenVAS and Nessus to identify and address vulnerabilities.
9️⃣ File Integrity Checkers: Monitor system files with AIDE or Tripwire for unauthorized changes.
🔟 Monitor System Activity: Use tools like top, ps, netstat, and ss to monitor your system in real time.
1️⃣1️⃣ User Privileges: Implement the principle of least privilege with appropriate user account management.
Securing a Linux system involves many components working together, and it's a continuous process. Following these steps can provide a good level of security, but it's also important to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and threats and to adjust your security practices as necessary.