Hey everyone,
I'm pretty new to SysAdmin and Linux, and I really need some guidance. I've got a few critical questions that I'd love some help with.
1) If I find out that my server has been completely compromised and I don't have any backup, what are the steps I should take to address this? How can I safely restore the system?
2) How do I verify that my servers are secure and free of malicious files or backdoors? Are there specific directories, like /usr, that I should check? Also, what tools should I have in place—like maldet—to protect against attacks?
3) If I encounter panic mode or if some essential system files are accidentally deleted, what's the best way to restore the server from rescue mode?
I know these are complex issues, so any insights, documentation, or video resources would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks a bunch! ❤️
1 Answer
These are great questions for someone starting out.
1. If your server gets compromised, the first step is to disconnect it from the network. You can't use it safely until you know what went wrong. Without backups, you'll have to rebuild it from scratch—both the OS and your data. It’s not ideal, but it’s the only way to ensure you're not left with a lingering compromise.
2. Security is about layers. Remove unnecessary admin rights, keep your firewall robust, and use IDS. Regularly review logs and keep everything patched. Tools like maldet are useful, but make sure you have a solid strategy in place for monitoring and maintaining your server’s health.
3. Restoring after a panic or file loss? That's best done with backups. If you don't have them, you might be in for a tough time. Just remember, backups are your ultimate safety net—make sure to have a reliable system in place and test it regularly!
Thanks for the insights! I’ll definitely be looking into more about those tools you mentioned!