Linux Server Hardening: A Practical Checklist

Linux is secure when it is deliberately configured, monitored and maintained.

Start with a minimal installation

Install only the packages required for the server’s purpose.

sudo systemctl --type=service --state=running
sudo ss -tulpn

Secure SSH

PermitRootLogin no
PasswordAuthentication no
PubkeyAuthentication yes

Keep SELinux enforcing

Investigate denials rather than disabling protection.

Configure the firewall

sudo firewall-cmd --list-all
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Patch, log and test backups

Hardening is a maintained baseline, not a one-time command.

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