Tips to Secure Infrastructure Based on Linux OS

Why is Linux the most secure operating system?

Linux is known for its reliability and security. It focuses heavily on process management, system security, and uptime. Users generally have fewer problems using Linux. Although the reliability of Microsoft Windows has improved greatly in recent years, even so, it is less reliable than Linux.

But Linux servers are more insecure than ever before. Although just a few years ago, users of Linux could be seen as the “lucky few,” who didn’t have to worry about malware and computer viruses, this period unfortunately ended.

Can Linux be hacked?

Attackers now see Linux servers as a viable target that frequently delivers significant return on investment. There have been emerging Linux malware outbreaks over recent years, which have demonstrated new, dangerous, and undetected spreading and compromising servers, including Cloud Snooper, EvilGnome, HiddenWasp, QNAPCrypt, GonnaCry, FBOT, and Tycoon. Here is what you need to be aware of in order to protect your Linux system from viruses, rootkits, etc.

LinuxSecurity Founder Dave Wreski says, “With the drastic uptick in attacks targeting Linux systems in recent years, now is definitely not the time to slack when it comes to system security and maintenance. The majority of successful attacks on Linux systems cannot be blamed on the OS as a whole, but rather can be attributed to misconfigured servers and poor system administration.”

Infrastructure security at the server layer is a key element of the overall security posture of your organization, so how can I make my infrastructure more secure? You can prevent attackers from taking over servers or compromise your databases by knowing the best Linux resources to use. To secure a Linux server, you can also use VPN software for Linux. If you are looking for a Linux VPN to direct web download, you can try VeePN. VeePN uses top-notch encryption to secure your data, including OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and custom SmartVeePN protocols. For Linux devices, VPN has a great feature that it autonomously determines the best protocol and settings. 

In this article, we will discuss how to secure Linux and give tips to secure infrastructure based on Linux OS to secure your Linux server.

Linux Security Best Practices

The Linux security best practices to secure Linux server are:

Document the host informationYou need to create a new document with all checklist items mentioned each time you are working on a new Linux hardening job and check out every item on your system. In addition, the Linux host information must be included at the beginning of the document: Name of the machine, IP address, Mac address, Name of the individual who is hardening (most likely you), Date and asset numbers.

  1. Auditing and monitoring

The second area we’re going to examine is Linux systems auditing and monitoring. For auditing and monitoring, you can use Osquery, OSSEC, Wazuh, and Auditd that help you to understand what is happening at the endpoints, so you can see who is logged in and what’s running etc.

  1. BIOS protection

The host’s BIOS must be secured with a password so that the end-user cannot modify and override the security settings in the BIOS; this region must be protected from change. Each computer manufacturer has a distinct set of keys in the BIOS mode to locate the settings where you set the administrator password.

  1. System Updates

A key step in security is the updating of the operating system. It is typically the fastest and simplest method to minimize vulnerabilities and the threat of the system.

  1. Secure boot-up

Secure boot-up involves blocking the boot directory and automatically deactivating or deleting any services that are not required.

Lock the boot directory – the essential kernel files are contained in the Linux boot directory; therefore, you have to ensure that the directory is only readable. Incidental or intentional modifications are prevented.

Check services started on initial boot – you must also ensure that processes you do not want for security and system efficiency cannot start when booting a system.

  1. Mandatory Access Control (MAC) installation on the kernel

SELinux and AppArmor both offer technologies that prevent programs from communicating or interfering with each other in order to safeguard the host system from being hacked. Installing and configuring AppArmor is simpler, so consider using it whenever possible. 

Note: you cannot have both installed or running simultaneously.

  1. Reducing the attack surface

Linux security best practices encourage you to limit the number of things running because fewer processes imply fewer vulnerabilities. This technique is known as reducing your attack surface.

  1. Securing network traffic and remote access

Any communication between your server and other systems should be encrypted. If users authenticate on your server, you also need to stay secure, utilizing encrypted protocols, which are configured securely.

  1. Secure network connections

The Linux firewall system offers additional network protection. This may be done by utilizing the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) or iptables command of Linux. UFW is an iptables interface that provides a simpler method to control incoming and outgoing traffic. You allow it with the UFW depending on what you want to do (e.g., server purpose). You may selectively allow ports, port ranges, or anything. A firewall won’t block everything, particularly if a configuration option permits something. Consider disabling IP forwarding, send packets, ICMP redirect acceptance, and Bad Error Message Protection for /etc/sysctl.conf.

10.Network Intrusion Detection System

Network IDS refers to network traffic monitoring software and devices for threats and malicious activities. Zeek, Snort, and Security Onion are the best Linux resources at this level to examine your network connections and security.

11.Network scanning and testing 

The more you know about your network weaknesses, the more equipped you can protect yourself from incoming attacks. You may discover vulnerabilities before attackers do regular scanning and testing using Nmap, Masscan, Metasploit, Batea, and OpenVAS.

12.Container Security

In this area, we will examine container security, which is essential since containers facilitate the construction and the orchestration of applications. You can strengthen the protection of your infrastructure by increasing security in your container pipeline and make your containers reliable and scalable.

While security and privacy risks to Linux computers are significant, Linux users are still safer online than Windows and macOS. The increasingly popular open-source OS offers inherent security advantages due to its source code’s transparency and relatively small user base. 

A range of specialized privacy and security Linux distros is available for users looking to continue with their digital security and anonymity. Linux users may enhance safety by using excellent cyber hygiene and following the Linux security best practices and suggestions given in this article. Also have a look on VPN for Linux to get best vpn for linux.

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