Open New Support Ticket 
How to Secure Your Linux Server Against Vulnerabilities ?
Linux is often considered one of the most secure operating systems, but that doesn’t mean your server is invulnerable. Misconfigurations, outdated software, weak authentication, and unmonitored services can expose even the most stable Linux environment to attacks. Whether you manage a virtual server or a physical server, taking proactive steps to secure your system is essential. Below are the best practices to help protect your Linux server against vulnerabilities.
1. Keep Your System Updated
Unpatched software is one of the most common entry points for attackers. Always update your system regularly.
Debian/Ubuntu:
CentOS/RHEL:
2. Harden SSH Access
The Secure Shell (SSH) protocol is the primary way administrators connect to Linux servers. If left unprotected, it’s a frequent target for brute-force attacks.
Generate an SSH key pair:
Copy the public key to the server:
Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config to disable password authentication and root login:
Change the default SSH port:
Restart SSH service:
3. Configure a Firewall
Firewalls restrict access to only necessary services.
UFW (Ubuntu/Debian):
4. Use Intrusion Prevention Tools
Install Fail2Ban:
For integrity monitoring, consider AIDE or OSSEC.
5. Remove Unnecessary Services
Every active service is a potential entry point. Disable or stop what you don’t use.
6. Enforce Strong Authentication
Require complex passwords via PAM.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for SSH using google-authenticator.
7. Monitor Logs and System Activity
Check logs regularly for suspicious activity.
For more advanced monitoring, use Logwatch, Prometheus, or Grafana.
8. Secure Applications and Databases
- Configure web servers (Nginx, Apache) to hide version numbers.
- Use HTTPS everywhere with Let’s Encrypt.
- Restrict database access to localhost unless remote connections are required.
9. Regular Backups
Even with strong security, accidents and attacks can happen. Backups ensure recovery.
Create backups with rsync:
Archive with tar:
10. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege
- Use chmod and chown to control access rights.
- Avoid running applications as root.
- Find world-writable files:
Conclusion
Securing your Linux server is not a one-time task — it’s an ongoing process. By combining regular updates, hardened SSH, firewalls, intrusion prevention, and strict permission management, you can greatly reduce risks. At AlexHost, we provide Linux VPS and dedicated servers with strong security foundations, ensuring your projects run on a stable and protected infrastructure.
