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What are the most common mistakes that Linux system administrators make?

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Linux system administration is a challenging and rewarding career path, but it also comes with its share of pitfalls and errors. Even experienced Linux system administrators can make mistakes that can compromise the security, performance, or functionality of their systems. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes that Linux system administrators make and how to avoid or fix them.

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1 Using default credentials

One of the most basic and yet most frequent mistakes that Linux system administrators make is using default or weak credentials for their systems, services, or applications. This can expose their systems to unauthorized access, data breaches, or malware attacks. Linux system administrators should always change the default passwords and usernames of their systems, use strong and unique passwords for each service or application, and implement multi-factor authentication whenever possible.

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Roy Biakpara

Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead at Gemserv
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Apart from the classic common mistakes, I think the line between confidence and being cocky is sometimes blurred. It could be from the myth around Linux systems versus other operating systems’ vulnerabilities and known attacks statistics. But all the mistakes that are typically highlighted, can be viewed from that lens.

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2 Running as root

Another common mistake that Linux system administrators make is running commands or processes as the root user or with sudo privileges. This can be dangerous, as it can cause irreversible damage to the system, overwrite important files, or execute malicious code. Linux system administrators should always use the principle of least privilege, which means using the lowest level of permissions necessary to perform a task. They should also use separate accounts for administrative and non-administrative tasks, and limit the use of sudo to specific commands or users.

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Jay Monga

Full Stack Engineering Manager at Accenture.
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Overuse of root privileges is a common yet hazardous mistake for Linux admins. Running processes as root gives full control over the system - a significant risk if compromised. Even without malicious intent, a typo or bug can cause irreparable damage when executed with enhanced permissions. I follow the principle of least privilege - using root only when absolutely essential. For day-to-day work, I log in with a standard user account lacking sudo rights. When I must perform admin tasks, I use sudo selectively for specific commands, then immediately revert permissions. This contained approach localizes impact. I also configure sudo to grant temporary access using credentials or multi-factor authentication for traceability.

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3 Not backing up data

Data is one of the most valuable assets of any organization, and losing it can have serious consequences. Linux system administrators should always backup their data regularly and securely, and test their backups for integrity and usability. They should also have a backup strategy that includes the frequency, location, format, and retention of their backups, and a recovery plan in case of a disaster. Linux system administrators should use tools like rsync, tar, or dd to backup their data, and encrypt their backups if they are stored off-site or in the cloud.

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Sean Thawe

Consultant at Mindbloom AI ? Environmentalist ? Python ? Linux ? ML/AI ? Researcher ? Graphic Designer ? Dedicated friendly individual looking to learn and grow.
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One thing I’ve found helpful is that having regular backups of your system can really be a life save. There are cases when a system may end up being broken and certain times to the point where it’s irreversible. Regular backups can help fix such problems where one can easily restore the system to a most recent backup saving themselves time and money.

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4 Not updating the system

Keeping the system updated is essential for maintaining its security, stability, and performance. Linux system administrators should always update their system with the latest patches, bug fixes, and security updates, and reboot their system when required. They should also monitor the release notes and changelogs of the updates, and test them in a staging environment before applying them to production. Linux system administrators should use tools like apt, yum, or zypper to update their system, and automate their updates with cron or systemd timers.

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5 Not securing the system

Securing the system is a vital responsibility of any Linux system administrator, as it can prevent unauthorized access, data theft, or cyberattacks. Linux system administrators should always secure their system with firewall rules, SSH keys, SELinux policies, or other security measures. They should also audit their system for vulnerabilities, logs, or suspicious activities, and use tools like nmap, fail2ban, or rkhunter to scan, block, or detect potential threats. Linux system administrators should also follow the best practices of hardening their system, such as disabling unused services, ports, or protocols, removing unnecessary packages or users, or configuring secure permissions.

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6 Not documenting the system

Documenting the system is a useful and often overlooked task that can save time, trouble, and confusion for Linux system administrators and their colleagues. Documenting the system can help Linux system administrators keep track of their system configuration, settings, processes, or changes, and troubleshoot or restore their system in case of a problem. It can also help other Linux system administrators understand, maintain, or modify the system, and avoid duplication or inconsistency of work. Linux system administrators should document their system with clear, concise, and updated notes, diagrams, or scripts, and store them in a centralized and accessible location.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Alexander Dewolf

Senior Linux Engineer | Empowering Businesses with Scalable, Secure & Robust Systems
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Making changes persistent When making changes to kernel, network… etc it’s easy to forget to make them survive a reboot. Testing reboots, if you can, helps catch this issue before it’s a problem

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What are the most common mistakes that Linux system administrators make?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Using default credentials

2 Running as root

3 Not backing up data

4 Not updating the system

5 Not securing the system

6 Not documenting the system

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Technology

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What are the most common mistakes that Linux system administrators make?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Using default credentials

2 Running as root

3 Not backing up data

4 Not updating the system

5 Not securing the system

6 Not documenting the system

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Technology

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