Securing my dedicated server (do i need anything?)

Discussion in 'Security' started by joujoba, Apr 10, 2010.

  1. #1
    hello

    I'm running a dedicated server, i had dr. web running but i disabled it and uninstall it.
    should i do something or install a security product? or it's safe the way it's running now?
    thank you

    my plesk provide my with an option of installing: Kaspersky antivirus module
    should i do that?
    I'm afraid that my server might be hacked
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2010
    joujoba, Apr 10, 2010 IP
  2. ddmd

    ddmd Peon

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    #2
    Is your dedicated server Windows? If it is, then install the anti-virus.

    If it is Linux, don't bother about AV. Install the open source OSSEC (to monitor your logs, files, etc) and monitor
    your sites remotely for malware/hack/errors with sucuri.net
     
    ddmd, Apr 10, 2010 IP
  3. kmap

    kmap Well-Known Member

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    #3
    if it is a Linux server with WHM then install csf and lfd

    Regards

    Alex
     
    kmap, Apr 10, 2010 IP
  4. joujoba

    joujoba Peon

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    #4
    hello!

    It's Linux (CentOS)
    with Plesk (not WHM)

    what do you suggest?
    thanks
     
    joujoba, Apr 10, 2010 IP
  5. RHS-Chris

    RHS-Chris Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Take a read through this thread, it should help you.
     
    RHS-Chris, Apr 10, 2010 IP
  6. joujoba

    joujoba Peon

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    #6
    Glad i got your blog address :D

    i have few questions if i may please:
    -how do i change root admin password for SSH?
    -how can i use keys?

    thanks for the help again and again RHS-Chris^
     
    joujoba, Apr 11, 2010 IP
  7. RHS-Chris

    RHS-Chris Well-Known Member

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    #7
    To change the root password, you need to be logged in as the root user in a ssh session, then issue the change password command:

    
    passwd root
    Code (markup):
    It will ask you for it twice to confirm. To setup ssh keys, you need to generate a public / private pair. I like to use PuttyGen for this. Here is a link as well for more info.
     
    RHS-Chris, Apr 11, 2010 IP
  8. joujoba

    joujoba Peon

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    #8
    --------------------- SSHD Begin ------------------------


    Failed logins from:
    Illegal users from:

    hello RHS-Chris,

    do you think that somebody is attempting to break my password?
    986 time is too much..
    what do you think?
    thanks.
     
    joujoba, Apr 14, 2010 IP
  9. RHS-Chris

    RHS-Chris Well-Known Member

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    #9
    I think you need to move your SSH port to something non-standard. This will stop people/bots from trying to brute force it. I did write a couple of articles about SSH security a while back as well.

    First One
    Second One

    Hope they help,
    Chris
     
    RHS-Chris, Apr 14, 2010 IP
  10. joujoba

    joujoba Peon

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    #10
    how can i edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config using putty?
    because after browsing to this file using putty:
    i cannot modify in it, i can just go up,down,left and right..
    thanks for the help again.
     
    joujoba, Apr 14, 2010 IP
  11. RHS-Chris

    RHS-Chris Well-Known Member

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    #11
    You have to go into insert mode to edit the file, hit INS. Once done editing, hit ESC, then :wq to save.
     
    RHS-Chris, Apr 14, 2010 IP
  12. joujoba

    joujoba Peon

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    #12
    thanks! your a genius :D
     
    joujoba, Apr 14, 2010 IP
  13. olddocks

    olddocks Notable Member

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    #13
    olddocks, Apr 22, 2010 IP
  14. NC-Designs.co.uk

    NC-Designs.co.uk Peon

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    #14
    Install Rkhunter also, this will help protect your server from rootkits by running a daily scan.

    You should also customise your CSF rules to prevent DDoS and failed logins.
     
    NC-Designs.co.uk, Apr 24, 2010 IP
  15. maestria

    maestria Well-Known Member

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    #15
    maestria, Apr 26, 2010 IP
  16. Sandino

    Sandino Peon

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    #16
    as stated above, changing the port and using CSF are some steps you should first take.
    you shouldn't have anyone trying to hack your SSH.
     
    Sandino, Jul 13, 2010 IP
  17. NQhost

    NQhost Member

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    #17
    In general, you need to turn off all unused serviced (for example, pop, ftp) and it's a good idea to change ssh/RD ports.
     
    NQhost, Jul 16, 2010 IP
  18. dacash

    dacash Peon

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    #18
    Why did no one tell him to run "yum update" ? Wouldn't be best to have his server services up to date?
     
    dacash, Jul 21, 2010 IP
  19. CoderJosh

    CoderJosh Peon

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    #19
    There's many things to consider when running a dedicated server that's exposed to the Internet. I'd say the most important starting points are:

    Don't start services you don't need. Disable such services.
    Keep your system up to date.
    Install a firewall package like CSF.
     
    CoderJosh, Jul 29, 2010 IP
  20. jeffatrackaid

    jeffatrackaid Active Member

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    #20
    Most of the self-help tools you will find on the web are geared to server hardening. While server hardening is a good place to start, you really have to focus on ongoing security efforts.

    In my experience, most hacks are due to people not updating their web applications. If you have installed blog software, shopping cart, forum or other off-the-shelf software, I recommend you join the software vendors mailing list and stay atop of updates.

    I generally find that attackers or bots get into servers through outdated web applications. After they gain entry, they attempt to exploit the OS. So if you are not updating your OS, there is a risk that they can gain root level access. Once they have root, you typically have to restore the system.

    So in addition to server hardening, I generally recommend ongoing system updates and monitoring of your web applications.
     
    jeffatrackaid, Aug 6, 2010 IP