First thing you do with your VPS

[MustangV10]

What's the first thing you do when your VPS is set up? Do you install a firewall? Do you set up the DNS / BIND server(s)?

I personally install a control panel first, usually cPanel.

 

[Rob]

First i'll install either CSF/LFD or DenyHosts
Next, i'll stop unnecessary processes (avahi-daemon, etc..)
Next, i'll set up root to only log in w/ a key - or disable root ssh
Next i'll set up ssh access only from certian IP addresses
Then i'll keep an eye on the logs to see if there's anything going on that i'd need to tighten up..

 

[MustangV10]

First i'll install either CSF/LFD or DenyHosts
Next, i'll stop unnecessary processes (avahi-daemon, etc..)
Next, i'll set up root to only log in w/ a key - or disable root ssh
Next i'll set up ssh access only from certian IP addresses
Then i'll keep an eye on the logs to see if there's anything going on that i'd need to tighten up..

Sounds good. Do you do server security & optimization jobs at all? I'd be interested in paying you to look at my server.

 

[Victor Leigh]

I take a short cut by installing Kloxo most of the time. When I am in an adventurous mood, I would install Webmin. Hardening a server is still a mystery to me.

 

[DaReaper]

The First thing i did when i got my VPS was to install the Kloxo Control panel so that i would have access to most of the features easily and Kloxo - Host in a box installs almost majority of the required applications for Hosting.

After which i setup my Domain name servers and slowly configure the settings. Install a strong and good Firewall. I have CSF/LFD running.

Set up SSH and blocked unwanted open ports and secured SSH by a bit.

Ran a scan by McAfee Secure Site to check for Vulnerabilities and fixed a couple of them over time. Usually you have to run this as and when you install any new application. Try to atleast have it run weekly.

 

[mrnothersan]

Personally, unless it's been done for me, I do a yum update straight away to update the kernel etc to the latest versions. Then I install all of the software I want, then firewall (if needed), and then optimization which is key if you're on a low RAM server.