Hands-on guide series
Linux Server Hardening: A Hands-On Guide
A six-part, hands-on guide to securing a Linux server end to end, from the first hour on a new VPS to responding to a breach. Every command tested on a live server.
What you will build
Security is layers, not a switch. Each part closes a different category of attack, from the automated sweep that finds a brand-new server, to the day one gets in anyway. Read them in order, or jump to what you need.
- 1
The First HourThe eight things to do in the first hour on a new Linux server, before scanners find it. A practical hardening guide, with every command tested on a real VPS.18 min - 2
Securing Your Web ServerA hardened server with an unconfigured web server is still open. The nginx security headers, rate limiting, and TLS that close the second door.11 min - 3
Hardening Your DatabaseThe database is the prize, not the server. Database hardening that keeps PostgreSQL's safe defaults, scoped roles, encryption, and tested backups.10 min - 4
Detecting a CompromiseHardening keeps attackers out. To detect a server compromise you read logs, auditd, and file integrity, with real attack data from a live server.10 min - 5
Compliance and Audit ReadinessBeing secure and proving it differ. A server compliance audit: scoring against lynis and CIS, CERT-In and DPDP duties, and turning hardening into evidence.9 min - 6
Responding to a BreachThe hour it goes wrong decides how bad it gets. A server incident response plan: snapshot, contain, triage, rebuild not clean, report on the CERT-In clock.10 min