How to Secure Your Linux Server with Fail2ban?
Last Updated :
27 Aug, 2024
If you are a System Administrator or Developer, it is your key responsibility to secure the Linux Server. For that purpose, you can use one of the most effective tools which is Fail2ban for Linux Server.
If you can Secure Linux Server with Fail2ban, you can easily manage all kinds of external threats & brute-force attacks. This article will focus on the details of Fail2ban along with the steps needed to Secure Linux Server.
Fail2ban is an essential tool that helps to secure the Linux Server of any kind of Linux Distributions. The Fail2ban is an open-source tool that can be easily installed on any Linux Operating System. The Linux Fail2ban helps to scan all the Log Files in Linux OS. While scanning, it can take preventive steps to make the server secure.
Suppose, there is an IP Address that wants to access the Linux Server but fails repeatedly, then the Fail2ban on Linux will mark it. Along with that, it restricts the IP Address in the future. The Fail2ban can dynamically update the Firewall's Rule in Linux. Hence, it helps to Secure Linux Server from Brute-Force Attacks.
- Fail2ban is one of the most lightweight tools that can be used to scan Linux Servers.
- Fail2ban continuously watches the Linux Log Files. Hence, every detail gets recorded.
- Fail2ban can restrict IP Address access temporarily or permanently.
- The Fail2ban can easily grasp the Custom Modifications needed to scan the Log files.
- You can get different filter types in the Fail2ban Tool.
How to Install Fail2ban on Linux?
To install Fail2ban on Linux, the following Linux Commands will be used. Based on the Linux Distribution, there are different commands are present. In this case, we will use the Debian or Ubuntu Command. It will take some time to complete the process.
Debian/Ubuntu Command: apt install fail2ban
CentOS/RHEL Command: yum install fail2ban
Fedora Command: dnf install fail2ban
Now, as the Fail2ban is installed, we have to configure it. For that purpose, we have to first go inside the Fail2ban Directory. Later, use the following command. It will open the file where we have to make loglevel = INFO.
Command: cp fail2ban.conf fail2ban.local
Now, after the Fail2ban Configuration, we have to go for the Jail File Configuration which is very much important. Here, we have to use the following command where the file will open. And in that file, we have to make the following changes.
- findtime should be 10m. It is the Time Window in between the Fail2ban counts the Number of Failed Attempts.
- maxretry should always be 5. It is the Number of Failed Attempts considered before marking the IP Address as Restricted.
Command: cp jail.conf jail.local
How to Enable Fail2ban Service on Linux?
Now, as the Configuration of Fail2ban Jail Service is done, we have to make it enable. To Enable Jail and Fail2ban Service on Linux, you have to make the following changes in the Jail Configuration File. Just make the Enabled = True uncommented in the file.
How to Check the Status of Fail2ban Jail?
In the end, when all the process is completed, it is time to check the Fail2ban Service on Linux. The Jail File is the main part of this service. So, we will use the following command where the status of the Jail File in Fail2ban will be displayed. If you are getting output along with the SSHD, then the configuration is successful.
Command: fail2ban-client status
Conclusion
From the above discussion, we can say having the Fail2ban Tool to Secure Linux Server is very much important. Fortunately, the Installation and configuration of Fail2ban on Linux Server is not a complicated task as well. Once, the Fail2ban is installed, the fear of any external threat will be vanished.
Similar Reads
Non-linear Components In electrical circuits, Non-linear Components are electronic devices that need an external power source to operate actively. Non-Linear Components are those that are changed with respect to the voltage and current. Elements that do not follow ohm's law are called Non-linear Components. Non-linear Co
11 min read
Spring Boot Tutorial Spring Boot is a Java framework that makes it easier to create and run Java applications. It simplifies the configuration and setup process, allowing developers to focus more on writing code for their applications. This Spring Boot Tutorial is a comprehensive guide that covers both basic and advance
10 min read
Class Diagram | Unified Modeling Language (UML) A UML class diagram is a visual tool that represents the structure of a system by showing its classes, attributes, methods, and the relationships between them. It helps everyone involved in a project—like developers and designers—understand how the system is organized and how its components interact
12 min read
Backpropagation in Neural Network Back Propagation is also known as "Backward Propagation of Errors" is a method used to train neural network . Its goal is to reduce the difference between the model’s predicted output and the actual output by adjusting the weights and biases in the network.It works iteratively to adjust weights and
9 min read
3-Phase Inverter An inverter is a fundamental electrical device designed primarily for the conversion of direct current into alternating current . This versatile device , also known as a variable frequency drive , plays a vital role in a wide range of applications , including variable frequency drives and high power
13 min read
Polymorphism in Java Polymorphism in Java is one of the core concepts in object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows objects to behave differently based on their specific class type. The word polymorphism means having many forms, and it comes from the Greek words poly (many) and morph (forms), this means one entity ca
7 min read
Linux Commands Cheat Sheet Linux, often associated with being a complex operating system primarily used by developers, may not necessarily fit that description entirely. While it can initially appear challenging for beginners, once you immerse yourself in the Linux world, you may find it difficult to return to your previous W
13 min read
CTE in SQL In SQL, a Common Table Expression (CTE) is an essential tool for simplifying complex queries and making them more readable. By defining temporary result sets that can be referenced multiple times, a CTE in SQL allows developers to break down complicated logic into manageable parts. CTEs help with hi
6 min read
What is Vacuum Circuit Breaker? A vacuum circuit breaker is a type of breaker that utilizes a vacuum as the medium to extinguish electrical arcs. Within this circuit breaker, there is a vacuum interrupter that houses the stationary and mobile contacts in a permanently sealed enclosure. When the contacts are separated in a high vac
13 min read
Linux/Unix Tutorial Linux is one of the most widely used open-source operating systems. It's fast, secure, stable, and powers everything from smartphones and servers to cloud platforms and IoT devices. Linux is especially popular among developers, system administrators, and DevOps professionals.Linux is:A Unix-like OS
10 min read