How To Secure An Ubuntu 16.04 Lts Server – Part 2: Detailed Guide

Post Menu and Details.

• Understanding the Importance of Server Security
• Setting Up a Firewall with UFW
• How To Secure An Ubuntu 16.04 Lts Server - Part 2: Monitoring Tools
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Conclusion

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Reading time: ~6 minutes

Welcome back to our deep dive on How To Secure An Ubuntu 16.04 Lts Server – Part 2! In the first part, we embarked on the initial steps to fortify your server. Now, as cyber threats continue to evolve, securing your Ubuntu server is more crucial than ever. Did you know that according to a 2020 report, Linux servers were the target of approximately 13% of all malware attacks? It’s time to roll up those sleeves and delve into the nitty-gritty of server security. Ready to level up your server protection game? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Importance of Server Security

In today’s digital age, cyber threats are more rampant than ever. From pesky malware to sophisticated hacking attempts, the online world can sometimes feel like the Wild West. Now, imagine leaving your server’s doors wide open in such an environment. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? That’s precisely why securing servers, especially ones running on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, is not just a recommendation but a necessity. According to a report on What is Cyber Security, cyberattacks have surged by 67% in the last five years. So, if you’re thinking of skimping on your server’s security, it’s time to reconsider.

Initial Server Setup for Ubuntu 16.04

Before we dive deep into the ocean of server security, let’s start by setting up a solid foundation. First things first, creating a non-root user. Operating your server as the root user is akin to walking on a tightrope without a safety net.

Feature	Root User	Non-Root User
Privileges	Full superuser privileges	Limited superuser privileges
Risk	High risk due to unrestricted access	Lower risk due to restrictions
Recommended Usage	Administrative tasks and system management	Regular user tasks

One misstep, and it’s game over. Instead, create a non-root user with superuser privileges. This way, you have the power you need without the constant risk.

Next up, setting up a basic firewall. Think of a firewall as your server’s personal bouncer, keeping the bad guys out while letting the good ones in. Ubuntu 16.04 comes with UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to make this process a breeze. For a step-by-step guide on setting up your server, check out this detailed tutorial on Installing Ubuntu Server 16.04.

Implementing Key-based Authentication

Remember the old days when a simple password was enough to keep your accounts safe? Well, those days are long gone. In the modern era, key-based authentication reigns supreme. Instead of relying on a password that can be easily cracked, key-based authentication uses a pair of cryptographic keys. One public, one private. It’s like having a two-layered security system, where even if one layer is breached, the other stands strong.

Setting up SSH keys might sound daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. Once set up, you can enjoy a more secure and streamlined login process. And for those who love living on the edge, you can even disable password authentication altogether. But a word of caution: ensure you don’t lose your keys, or you’ll be locked out for good!

Setting Up a Firewall with UFW

Ah, firewalls! The unsung heroes of the digital realm, tirelessly guarding our servers against unwanted intruders. When it comes to Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is the knight in shining armor. As the name suggests, UFW aims to make firewall management as straightforward as possible, without compromising on security.

Now, let’s get our hands dirty with some basic UFW commands. Starting with to activate the firewall, and to check its status. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. So, always ensure you’re allowing only necessary services through your firewall. For instance,  will let SSH traffic pass through, while will block all HTTP traffic.

Configuring UFW is like setting up rules for a game. You decide who gets to play (allowed services) and who sits on the bench (denied services). And just like any game, the rules can change based on the situation, so always be on the lookout for any necessary adjustments.

Fail2Ban for Intrusion Prevention

Ever heard of the digital bouncer named Fail2Ban? If not, it’s high time you did! Fail2Ban is like that burly bouncer outside a nightclub, ensuring no troublemakers get inside. It monitors server logs for malicious activity and bans IPs that show signs of malevolent intentions.

Setting up Fail2Ban on Ubuntu 16.04 is a breeze. Once installed, it’s all about configuring the file to your liking. But remember, it’s not just about banning; it’s about understanding the why behind the ban. Regularly monitoring logs and adjusting rules ensures that you’re not just blindly blocking IPs but doing so with a clear purpose. For a deep dive into securing your Ubuntu server, check out this comprehensive guide.

Secure Database Configurations

Databases: the treasure troves of the digital world. And just like any treasure, they attract all sorts of attention, both good and bad. Hence, database security is paramount. Whether you’re using MySQL, MariaDB, or any other database system, ensuring its security is non-negotiable.

Practice	Description
Change the default root password	Improve database security by using a strong password for the root user.
Disable remote root login	Prevent remote attackers from accessing the database as root remotely.
Regularly update and patch	Keep the database system secure by applying updates and patches regularly.

For those on the MySQL/MariaDB bandwagon, here are some quick tips:

• Always change the default root password.
• Disable remote root login.
• Regularly update and patch your database system.

For a more detailed guide on securing your MySQL server on Ubuntu, this article is a goldmine of information.

Regular System Updates

In the digital realm, staying updated isn’t just about catching the latest memes or trending hashtags. It’s about ensuring your server remains impervious to the ever-evolving threats out there. Think of system updates as your server’s regular health check-ups. You wouldn’t skip a doctor’s appointment, would you?

Setting up automatic updates is like hiring a personal assistant for your server. This diligent assistant ensures your server gets its regular dose of security patches without you lifting a finger. To set it up, simply configure the package, and voila! Your server will be sipping on those updates like it’s a cup of morning coffee.

But remember, while automatic updates are convenient, it’s crucial to monitor for significant security updates. Sometimes, you might need to intervene manually, especially when major vulnerabilities are discovered.

How To Secure An Ubuntu 16.04 Lts Server – Part 2: Monitoring Tools

Ah, monitoring tools! The unsung heroes that give you X-ray vision into your server’s soul. Tools like  are the basic trinity that every server admin should be familiar with. They’re like the Swiss Army knives of server monitoring.

Backup and Recovery Strategies

Let’s face it; accidents happen. Whether it’s spilling coffee on a manuscript or accidentally deleting crucial server files, mishaps are a part of life. That’s where regular backups come into play. Think of them as your server’s insurance policy.

There’s a plethora of tools out there for server backups, from. But the tool is just the tip of the iceberg. The real magic lies in the strategy. Whether it’s incremental backups, differential backups, or full backups, having a strategy is paramount.

But here’s the kicker: backups are useless if you can’t restore them. Always test your recovery processes. It’s like rehearsing for a play; you wouldn’t want to flub your lines on the big day, would you?

Thank you for reading!

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