How to Protect Your Linux VPS

Linux has experienced growing popularity in the last couple of years and, due to that, many Linux users have been developing it and adding to the overall availability of this operating system. In addition to that, virtual private servers have also made a rapid progress over the last few years, so that today we have a cohabiting Linux-VPS couple, which has proven to be more successful than other relationships between virtual private servers and operating systems. This is partly due to the open-source nature of Linux and fast-changing demands and needs of VPS users. When it comes to VPS clients’ demands and needs, one issue has separated from others and requires most of our attention – protection and security measures for Linux virtual private servers.

Keep the Linux VPS foundations safe

Virtual private servers have the “root” account option, which basically entitles and empowers an administrator, who can be perceived as the server manager and who has the authority over the processes taking place on the server. While this might seem as a convenient option for the root admin(s) and sometimes really enables the people in charge to do some tasks in a fast and client friendly-way, such a solution is, unfortunately, also hacker-friendly. Because of that, the whole Linux VPS can be exposed to dangerous threats. These dangerous attacks can harm all the data and intercept the all the communication taking place via the server. To avoid such a disaster from unfolding, every private server provider (or client) should make a considerable effort and secure their Linux VPS from being hacked. There are numerous programmes that keep your server safe from malware and rootkits, but one of the most efficient antirootkit fighting tools is definitely RKHunter (Rootkit Hunter). The installation process is explained here. You can either install an antirootkit programme or simply change the direct root login option through SSH and

Don’t take (pass)words for granted

Even when it comes to your private and personal e-mail passwords, you should never take your choices for granted. The situation is even more complex and hazardous when it comes to passwords on large systems, like VPSs. To keep your Linux VPS protected and secured, you should be extremely witty with the password creating process. Cryptographically aggressive methods, such as exhaustive key search and dictionary attacks can lead to password revealing and thus a significant data theft. To increase the level of protection on the server, think hard and create an impenetrable combination of letters, numbers and aiding characters. In addition to that, change the password regularly, but don’t allow the new ones to lose any quality or complexity. And for starters, always change the root-user password, as it is explained in this text.

Wall of fire like barbed wire

Apart from keeping your Linux server safe from the inside (and below), it needs a thick and thorough outside protection. A firewall is a virtual sieve that protects your computer or server from unwanted data exchange that is going on the Internet at every single moment. Its settings can be changed and adapted due to your needs. Firewalling your Linux VPS is certainly one of the simplest, easiest and most adequate protection tools. Firewalls are usually quite easily installed, but not all of them are free. One of the free, but still most useful firewalls is CSF, which is more scalable than many other such products. You can find the instructions for its installation on this site.

Linux is spreading very fast and its open-source character makes it perfect for VPSs. In order to experience its full-scale power and adaptability, keep the maximum protection level on your Linux VPS to maintain your business endeavors in a successful way.