This guide shows how to set up Metasploit, run safe penetration tests, and convert the findings into concrete hardening actions. Legal reminder – only test systems you own or have explicit written permission to assess. Keep tests in scope, documented, and reversible. 1. What Metasploit is – and why defenders use it Metasploit is … Read more
This is the minimum bar. Expect scans within minutes of going live. Do these first or expect trouble. Scope – Linux hosts that serve web content publicly. Focus is quick wins that reduce real risk fast. 1) Patch immediately and automate updates must do Unpatched packages are the easiest path in. Patch before exposing … Read more
Metasploit is widely known as a hacking framework. That label is accurate but incomplete. In capable hands, the same tool becomes a disciplined method to protect systems. This article explains how security teams use Metasploit to turn speculative risk into measurable evidence, prioritize fixes, validate patches, and raise the cost of attack across Linux servers … Read more
Short version: Prefer SSM Session Manager for human access. If you must use SSH, use per-user keys, a bastion or tight source CIDRs, and a hardened sshd_config. No shared logins. No password auth. 1) Choose the access pattern Pattern When to use Notes SSM Session Manager Default for most estates No SSH ports open; IAM-controlled; … Read more
TL;DR Patch now: Linux kernel (CVE-2025-38236), OpenSSH client bugs (CVE-2025-26465/26466), and current VMware advisories; N-able N-central flaws added to CISA KEV. Watchlist: further kernel backports landing in distro trackers; VMware rollups; Microsoft August patches with multiple critical items. Action for Linux/Cloud ops: roll kernel updates with reboots, update OpenSSH clients fleet-wide (laptops, jump hosts, CI), … Read more
For many IT teams, “security” still means keeping up with patches. While patching is essential, it’s far from enough. Attackers increasingly exploit default settings and weak configurations rather than waiting for an unpatched CVE. What Hardening Really Means System hardening is about stripping away unnecessary risk: Secure SSH and key management. Enforcing password and account … Read more
Why Privilege Escalation is a Risk Most attackers don’t start with root. They pivot from low-privilege accounts. Misconfigured sudo rules and weak PAM policies are a direct highway to compromise. Checklist for sudo Hardening Least Privilege %db_admins ALL=(ALL) /usr/bin/mysql → restrict to exact commands, not ALL. No sudo without password Audit /etc/sudoers for NOPASSWD: entries. … Read more
Secure Shell (SSH) is the default entry point into most Linux systems. Unfortunately, it is also the most common attack vector exploited by automated bots and opportunistic attackers. So for any organisation running Linux servers — whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid — hardening SSH is one of the simplest, highest-impact security steps you … Read more
