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Securing Linux Servers Against Brute Force Attacks

Introduction

Enhancing security on ServerStadium’s infrastructure (VM Pricing, Dedicated Servers) to defend against brute force attacks is essential for safeguarding servers. This involves deploying strategies to detect and block repeated unauthorized login attempts.

Prerequisites

  • A ServerStadium VM or dedicated server (VM Pricing, Dedicated Servers)
  • Basic knowledge of Linux server administration and network security.
  • SSH access to the server.

Step 1: Strengthen Password Policies

  1. Implement Strong Passwords:

    Enforce strong password policies. Use complex passwords and regularly update them.

  2. Password Aging:

    Configure password aging to compel periodic password changes:

    sudo chage -M 60 -m 7 -W 7 username

Step 2: Configure SSH for Enhanced Security

  1. Disable Root Login:

    Edit the SSH configuration file (/etc/ssh/sshd_config) to disable root login:

    PermitRootLogin no

  2. Change Default SSH Port:

    Modify the default SSH port to reduce the risk of automated attacks:

    Port 2244

  3. Use Public Key Authentication:

    Prefer SSH key-based authentication over passwords for added security.

Step 3: Install and Configure Fail2Ban

  1. Install Fail2Ban:

    Fail2Ban monitors login attempts and bans IPs that show malicious patterns:

    sudo apt install fail2ban

  2. Configure Fail2Ban:

    Create a custom configuration file (/etc/fail2ban/jail.local) and define rules:

    [sshd]
    enabled = true
    port = 2244
    filter = sshd
    logpath = /var/log/auth.log
    maxretry = 3
    bantime = 3600

Step 4: Regularly Update and Patch

  1. System Updates:

    Keep the server updated with the latest security patches:

    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 5: Monitor Server Logs

  1. Regular Log Review:

    Regularly check system logs (/var/log/auth.log) for any unusual activities.

Conclusion

Your ServerStadium server is now better equipped to handle brute force attacks. Regularly review security measures and stay updated on best practices. For more information on server security, visit our knowledge base or contact our support team.

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