Common Nginx Issues and Misconfigurations

Nginx is a popular web server known for its performance, stability, and rich feature set. While it’s an excellent tool for managing web traffic, improper configurations can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and operational problems. Common Nginx misconfigurations and their solutions can be quite varied, depending on the specific use case and environment. However, there are several frequently encountered issues that administrators often run into. Here are a few of them along with their solutions and examples:...

November 20, 2023 · 6 min · 1152 words · g0rbe

WireGuard's Security Features and Best Practices

WireGuard, a relatively new open-source VPN protocol introduced in 2016, has gained popularity due to its fast, efficient, and secure communication between online devices. It’s available across multiple platforms including Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. WireGuard ensures secure connections by creating an encrypted tunnel, routing internet traffic via a VPN server for enhanced security and privacy. Security Features of WireGuard WireGuard stands out for its use of ChaCha20 for encryption, a faster alternative to the commonly used AES-256 encryption in other VPN protocols....

November 20, 2023 · 3 min · 523 words · g0rbe

Advanced Techniques in Attack Surface Management

An organization’s attack surface comprises all digital, physical, and external IT assets, shared networks, and even social media entry points vulnerable to cyberattacks. It’s a dynamic entity, constantly evolving with new technologies and operational changes. Recognizing the vastness of this surface is crucial for effective management​. What is Attack Surface Management (ASM)? ASM is a proactive approach involving continuous monitoring and analysis of an organization’s attack surface to identify potential vulnerabilities and attack vectors....

November 20, 2023 · 2 min · 370 words · g0rbe

Install PHP 8 on Debian 12

PHP is a crucial component for web development, and having the latest version ensures access to the newest features and security updates. Debian 12, known for its stability and reliability, is a popular choice for hosting PHP-based applications. This post guides you through installing the latest PHP version on Debian 12. TLDR bash -x && \ sudo apt install -y lsb-release apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl && \ sudo wget -O "/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/php.gpg" "https://packages....

November 16, 2023 · 2 min · 259 words · g0rbe

DNS Vulnerabilities and Common Misconfigurations

November 15, 2023 · 3 min · 526 words · g0rbe

Install Docker Engine on Debian

Docker has become an essential tool in the world of modern software development. If you’re using Debian 12 and want to take advantage of Docker’s capabilities, this guide will walk you through the installation process. Update System Packages Begin by updating your system’s package index: sudo apt update sudo apt install -y ca-certificates curl gnupg This ensures that you have the necessary packages to securely install Docker. Add Docker’s Official GPG Key Docker’s GPG key ensures the authenticity of the software packages....

November 15, 2023 · 2 min · 249 words · g0rbe

Configure chroot jail for SFTP on Debian

Setting up a chroot jail for SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) on a Debian server enhances security by restricting users’ access to a specific directory. This is particularly useful for granting limited file transfer capabilities without providing full shell access. Installing and Configuring SSH Ensure that the SSH server is installed: sudo apt-get install openssh-server Then, edit the SSH configuration file: sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config Configuring Chroot Environment In the sshd_config file, locate or add the following lines to set up a chroot environment:...

November 15, 2023 · 2 min · 216 words · g0rbe

Install and Configure Fail2Ban for SSH on Debian

Fail2Ban is a vital security tool for Linux servers, particularly useful in protecting SSH services against brute-force attacks. It monitors service logs for malicious activity and bans offending IPs for a specified duration. Installing Fail2Ban Fail2Ban is included in Debian’s default repositories, making it easy to install: Update your package listings: sudo apt update Install Fail2Ban: sudo apt install fail2ban After installation, the Fail2Ban service starts automatically. Verify it with:...

November 15, 2023 · 2 min · 271 words · g0rbe

Upgrade Debian 11 (Bullseye) to Debian 12 (Bookworm)

Upgrading your Debian system is crucial for accessing new features and security enhancements. Here’s a comprehensive guide on upgrading from Debian 11 (Bullseye) to Debian 12 (Bookworm), based on reliable sources. Prerequisites Superuser Privileges: You must perform the upgrade with superuser privileges. Log in as root or a user with sudo privileges. Data Backup: Back up your data before starting the upgrade. If you’re using a virtual machine, consider taking a complete system snapshot....

November 15, 2023 · 2 min · 297 words · g0rbe

Create a basic WireGuard server

Server Create WireGuard server. Setup Set temporary permission for new files: umask 077 Create the keys: wg genkey > /etc/wireguard/privkey wg pubkey < /etc/wireguard/privkey > /etc/wireguard/pubkey Create the config file: nano /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf [Interface] Address = 10.10.10.1/24 ListenPort = 51820 SaveConfig = True PrivateKey = ... Start: wg-quick up wg0 Enable: systemctl enable wg-quick@wg0 Add peer :::caution Stop WireGuard before editing wg0.conf! ::: Append to wg0.conf: nano /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf [Peer] AllowedIPs = 10....

November 15, 2023 · 2 min · 351 words · g0rbe