Linux is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, used by increased numbers of people daily as the android smartphone explodes across the globe.It is the OS that runs android smartphones, as well as cars, televisions, home desktops, laptops, gaming set-ups, businesses, and so much more. It is s system that has been around since the 90s and has been subject to many variations of improvements and upgrades over time. Here are some tips and advice for you to be able to secure your Linux system. The tips mentioned herein are the top suggestions from those using, repairing, and developing the Linux OS, and implementing any of them will immediately improve your safety, security, and stability.
Ensure That You Have a Firewall
Your firewall will need to be properly configured and then regularly maintained. Firewalls are key aspects of your network security, keeping you and your information safe by deciding who can access the network and who can’t.Although Linux has become one of the most secure operating systems, and many users will swear by not using a firewall, it is essential and a relatively simple thing to configure correctly. You can simply use firewall-cmd, and viola, it’s done. It’s a command line interface that will communicate with the kernel and ensure that your firewall is up and running. The idea is that then when you are trading crypto, banking, or just checking what the daily crypto rates are at https://www.okx.com/convert/eth-to-usd?amount=1, you are doing so from a safe place. The crypto example is pertinent in that it has become the target of the modern cyber-criminal and the additional safety that a firewall/security system will provide will make these trades and cyber investing a much more enjoyable and relaxing activity, rather than having you stress about your safety. Then, once the firewall is set up, you need to perform regular maintenance and updates to keep it that way.
Use a Trustworthy VPN
The use of a VPN has become more popular as the internet grows,and more people want to access sites and resources that are specific to a certain geographicarea or want to maintain a layer of privacy between the server and their information. A VPN works by taking all your internet traffic and sending it through another computer. The aim is to securely transfer information or data between two locations, or two computers. All the computer traffic is routed through a virtual secure tunnel and there are no links or addresses associated with your location or IP address that are accessible or visible to anyone else, or any cyber criminals on the network. Not even your internet service provider will see or be able to access the history of the sites you have visited on the internet. There are several open-source VPN protocols that can be instituted and used that can be found quite easily online. Simply ensure that you are using one that is recommended and from a reputable source. You don’t want to put your system at further risk by using a pirate VPN.
Use a WAF for Additional Security
A WAF is a web application security system. There are so many companies and individuals who use web apps, for anything from banking to gaming and buying crypto. Personal data is then exchanged and shared on these apps and there is a level of threat to your Linux OS, unless you have some additional protection. A WAF will filter and monitor the HTTPS and HTTP traffic and aim to block traffic that is determined to come from malicious sources while you’re using the app. The WAF is also updated and all virus definitions and scripts are saved and recorded to be able to improve safety and block these in future. It is one of the best ways to keep your web applications secure and protected. The right WAF will protect your system against D-Doss attacks, SQL injections, and cookie poisoning, among others. There are highly commercial as well as open-source WAFs available and the one that you choose to use will depend on the type of web application that you use or frequent.
Conclusion
By implementing these few simple tips, you will be able to secure your Linux operating system. Making it a much safer and more secure place to work and interact online. Linux is an extremely safe and well-protected operating system and, hence, it is used as widely as it is across the globe. Using the strategies and ideas discussed here, such as the firewall-cmd, is all about providing an additional layer of security for peace of mind. As a whole, Linux is incredibly stable and safe and this is why it is the most used operating system around the globe and for all applications from banking and gaming to business and social media. The tips to implement to improve this safety for specific applications or pastimes, are simple and easy and will be well worth the time they take. Taking these small steps will help to protect you in the long-term.
