How to keep your computer secure in Linux
Nicholas Mutsaerts
System Administrator | Microsoft 365 Administrator | Tier 2 Help Desk Support Specialist | Technical Writer | Linux Enthusiast
Making Linux desktop computer more secure involves a combination of best practices, system configuration, and regular maintenance. Here are some key steps to enhance the security of device.
1.?????? Software Updates
Regularly update your system and all installed software to patch security vulnerabilities. Use the following commands to update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade??????????????????????????? # Debian / Ubuntu
sudo dnf update??????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? # Fedora
sudo yum update????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? # CentOS (if applicable)
2.?????? Use Strong Passwords
Enforce strong password policies for user accounts. Consider using complex passwords with a minimum of 8 characters with at least one capital letter, number, and special character. Set a strong password for your user account and use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for your various accounts. Change passwords every 60 to 90 days.
3.?????? Disable root login:
Avoid logging in as the root user. Instead, use sudo to perform administrative tasks.
4.?????? Configure a firewall:
Use a firewall like ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) or firewalld to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Only open necessary ports.
5.?????? Full disk encryption:
Encrypt your entire hard drive using technologies like LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) during installation to protect your data in case of theft or physical access.
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6.?????? Use secure boot:
Enable Secure Boot if your laptop and Linux distribution support it. This prevents unsigned or unauthorized code from running during boot.
7.?????? Regular Backups
Create and maintain regular backups of your data. Ensure that backups are stored securely and are regularly tested for restoration. Be sure to save work files on the SharePoint and/or OneDrive.
8.?????? Employ strong authentication:
Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for your user account, especially for remote login and sudo access.
9.?????? Lock your screen and change your screensaver settings
Set a screensaver and configure your laptop to lock the screen when not in use. Use a strong password or PIN for unlocking.
10.?? Install and configure antivirus software:
While Linux is generally less prone to malware than some other operating systems, you can still install antivirus software, like ClamAV, to scan for threats.
11.?? Employ a password manager:
Use a password manager to store and autofill complex, unique passwords for your accounts.
12.?? SanDisk USB Flash Drive
SanDisk USB Flash Drive is a useful tool for saving files and folders. The device is only meant to be used as a temporary storage. Files and folders should be deleted when no longer needed.?