Essential Steps to Secure a New Linux VPS
Deploying a raw Linux cloud VPS exposes it to automated internet port scanners and brute-force botnets within minutes. Implementing a strict security baseline is mandatory before hosting customer workloads.
1. Disable Root Password Authentication
Configure ED25519 asymmetric SSH keypairs and disable root login in /etc/ssh/sshd_config.
2. Configure UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall)
Enforce default deny incoming rules and whitelist only necessary ports (SSH, HTTP, HTTPS).
3. Install and Enable Fail2ban
Fail2ban monitors system authentication logs and injects iptables drop rules against IPs exhibiting repetitive authentication failures.