Fans of the world’s most widely-used open-source OS count superior resilience to cyberattacks among its greatest advantages over the competition. Indeed, far fewer viruses and malware threats target Linux specifically. Don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security, as no operating system is immune to threats.
This article delves deep into the techniques, tools, and practices you should adopt to secure your Linux distro. Implement them now and put any lingering cybersecurity fears to rest.
Keep the OS and Applications Updated
The more complex a piece of software is, the higher the chance it comes with undetected vulnerabilities. Linux’s open-source nature and countless flavors all but guarantee unknown exploits. Luckily, dedicated developers keep refining Linux distributions with new features and security upgrades.
We’d usually suggest automatic updates since other operating systems streamline them. Linux is more malleable, and the update packets you apply automatically might conflict. It’s best to apply patches manually and often, especially if running a constantly evolving distro like Arch.
Modularity is among Linux’s best features, and it can also enhance security. Disabling unwanted services and uninstalling apps that no longer serve a purpose reduces a Linux system’s attack area and exploits it at hackers’ disposal.
Set up a Firewall
Many security compromises happen as a result of users visiting and interacting with malicious websites. These can download malware or trick you into handing over personal or financial information. A firewall is an excellent defense against such threats. It regulates incoming and outgoing traffic, preventing users from accessing suspicious websites and downloading malicious code.
Improve Password Security
Whether you’re running a Linux server or using the OS on a PC, compromised passwords are a chief security concern. Neglecting them can expose your online accounts or those of your server’s users. It doesn’t help that people tend to use passwords that are easy to remember or reuse for multiple purposes.
Setting up a password manager for Linux is the go-to security solution regardless of your use case. The manager generates, assigns, and stores complex passwords in line with recommended security guidelines. Most also offer secure vaults you may use to store other sensitive information.
Server admins need to double down on password security. They need to ensure all accounts have passwords to begin with. Such passwords need to have an expiration date, and it shouldn’t be possible to use old passwords either. Password managers dramatically speed up and simplify these steps.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
A strong password is secure if no one other than the user knows it. Hackers might try to breach your system and get a hold of such passwords, or someone may carelessly share theirs. Insisting on 2FA reduces the risk of account compromise. It forces users to enter a code alongside their account credentials. The login attempt will fail otherwise.
Set up File Access and Encryption Measures
Linux servers can host files of varying sensitivity and importance. Not every user needs to or should have access to them. That’s where file permissions come in. Admins can assign and change permissions for files and folders so different user classes can read, write, or execute them.
In-transit data is vulnerable to outside and malicious insider threats. Encrypting any data you plan on moving ensures it will safely arrive at its destination server. Linux PC users should consider encrypting their storage drives for optimum data protection.
Access the Internet Securely
We already mentioned firewalls as an effective cybersecurity deterrent, but they’re just the first step. Secure browsing also involves anonymity and traffic encryption, which firewalls don’t provide. You should consider getting a VPN since it’s the most user-friendly means of securing an anonymous and encrypted internet connection.
Alternatively, you can use a secure browser like Tor or route traffic through a proxy server. Tor is secure yet slow, while proxies don’t encrypt the connection.
Log and Activity Monitoring
Not all cyber threats are immediate or apparent. Some may activate after a set time or subtly change files and presets to introduce security vulnerabilities. Monitoring user activities and access logs helps identify threats and catch anomalies before they’ve had time to do much damage.
Advanced users may also want to look into setting up an intrusion detection system. They ramp server security up by monitoring network traffic, preventing brute-force attacks, and warning against DDoS events.
Back the System and Important Files Up
Keeping a single copy of crucial files leaves you vulnerable to hardware failure and ransomware attacks. Start by regularly maintaining at least two backups alongside your regular environment. Store one of them on a physical drive without internet access for maximum protection from cyber threats