How do I harden my Linux operating system?

A few basic Linux hardening and Linux server security best practices can make all the difference, as we explain below:

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Use Strong and Unique Passwords.
Generate an SSH Key Pair.
Update Your Software Regularly.
Enable Automatic Updates.
Avoid Unnecessary Software.
Disable Booting from External Devices.
Close Hidden Open Ports.

What are some ways that we can secure our virtualized CentOS machine?

Five Ways to Secure a CentOS 8 Server

Set Up A Firewall. Configuring the firewall is usually the first security task on a fresh installation, in order to allow traffic only for specific services and ports.
Secure SSH.
Keep Your System Up to Date.
Disable Unused Services.
Enable SELinux.
About the Author.

Why OS hardening is required?

The goal of systems hardening is to reduce security risk by eliminating potential attack vectors and condensing the system’s attack surface. By removing superfluous programs, accounts functions, applications, ports, permissions, access, etc.

How is OS hardening done?

Operating system hardening involves patching and implementing advanced security measures to secure a server’s operating system (OS). One of the best ways to achieve a hardened state for the operating system is to have updates, patches, and service packs installed automatically.

Is SSH completely secure?

SSH encrypts and authenticates all connections. SSH provides IT and information security (infosec) professionals with a secure mechanism to manage SSH clients remotely. Rather than requiring password authentication to initialize a connection between an SSH client and server, SSH authenticates the devices themselves.

What should you recommend to harden a Linux computer that is currently configured and being used in the following way?

Use the following tips to harden your own Linux box.

Document the host information.
BIOS protection.
Hard disk encryption (confidentiality)
Disk protection (availability)
Lock the boot directory.
Disable USB usage.
System update.
Check the installed packages.

Why do companies use CentOS?

CentOS uses a very stable (and oftentimes more mature) version of its software and because the release cycle is longer, applications do not need to be updated as often. This allows for developers and major corporations who utilize it to save money as it decreases costs associated with additional development time.