5 Steps to Secure Your New Linux Server

Security starts the moment your server boots. Here is the checklist we recommend for every new deployment.

1. Disable root SSH login

Create a sudo user and turn off direct root access in /etc/ssh/sshd_config.

2. Use SSH keys, not passwords

Key-based auth eliminates brute-force password attacks entirely.

3. Enable a firewall

Allow only the ports you need with ufw or firewalld.

4. Keep packages updated

Enable automatic security updates.

5. Add fail2ban

Automatically ban IPs that show malicious behavior.