How to Create a sudo User on Ubuntu

The use of a sudo user in Ubuntu and Debian systems is a fundamental practice for managing system administration tasks while maintaining robust security protocols. In Linux environments, the “superuser” or “root” account holds extensive privileges, allowing it to make critical changes to the system. However, operating as root for routine tasks can be risky, as inadvertent errors might lead to severe system issues. This is where a sudo user comes into play. A sudo user is a regular user account that has been granted specific administrative privileges, enabling it to execute commands with root-level authority.

This guide will walk you through the steps to create a sudo user in Ubuntu and Debian, ensuring that you can perform administrative tasks safely without logging in as the root user.

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Steps to Create a sudo User in Ubuntu

1. Open a Terminal Window or SSH into Your Server: Start by accessing your terminal. If you are using a remote server, SSH into the server with your root credentials.
2. Create a New User Account: Use the adduser command to create a new user account. Replace newuser with your desired username.

   adduser newuser 
   

   You will be prompted to create and verify a password for the new user and optionally fill in additional information.

3. Add the New User to the Sudo Group: In Ubuntu and Debian, members of the sudo group are granted sudo privileges. Add your new user to this group with the following command:

   usermod -aG sudo newuser 
   

   Replace `newuser` with the username you created.

4. Verify Sudo Access: Switch to the new user account using:

   su - newuser 
   

   Then, you can test the sudo access by running a command that requires sudo privileges, such as:

   sudo ls -la /root 
   

   The first time you use sudo with this user, you will be prompted to enter the user’s password.

5. Configure Sudo Privileges (Optional): If you need to customize the sudo privileges, you can edit the sudoers file by using:

   sudo visudo 
   

   Be very careful with the changes you make in this file, as incorrect settings can compromise your system’s security and functionality.

6. Use Sudo with Caution: Remember that commands run with sudo can make significant changes to your system. Always double-check commands for accuracy and necessity.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully created a sudo user on your Ubuntu or Debian system. This method provides a secure way to manage your system by minimizing the risks associated with operating directly as the root user. Always practice caution when executing commands with sudo privileges to maintain the integrity and security of your system.