Linux Server Install: Part 2
Keep it safe and set-up Automatic Upgrades for Security, bruh.
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There are some risks involved with running upgrades automatically, but there are also risks with not patching the servers with security updates automatically.
Automatic Upgrades
Running automatic upgrades on an Ubuntu server can help ensure that your system is always up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. However, there are some potential risks to consider.
One risk is that the upgrades may break compatibility with other software or applications that are installed on the server. For example, if an upgraded package includes a new version of a library or framework that is used by a critical application, the application may stop working or produce unexpected errors.
Another risk is that the upgrades may cause instability or other issues on the server. This is especially true if the upgrades include major changes or significant updates to the operating system itself. In some cases, the upgraded packages may contain bugs or other issues that can cause the server to crash or become unresponsive.
Finally, there is a risk of data loss if the upgrades are not performed correctly. For example, if the upgrade process is interrupted or fails, it may result in corruption or loss of data on the server. To minimize this risk, it is important to make regular backups of your server and to test the upgrades on a staging server before deploying them to production.
Overall, it is important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of running automatic upgrades on an Ubuntu server, and to take steps to mitigate any potential issues that may arise. This may include performing regular backups, testing upgrades on a staging server, and keeping a close eye on the server’s performance and stability after each upgrade.
Security Updates
Not patching an Ubuntu server with automatic security updates can leave the server vulnerable to a variety of security risks. Some of the potential risks include:
- Malware and viruses: Unpatched servers are more susceptible to malware and viruses, which can infect the server and spread to other devices on the network. This can result in data loss, data theft, and other damage to the server and its users.
- Network attacks: Unpatched servers can be more easily compromised by hackers and other attackers, who can use known vulnerabilities to gain access to the server and its data. This can result in unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches.
- Compliance issues: In some cases, failing to patch a server with security updates can result in non-compliance with industry regulations or other legal requirements. This can lead to fines, penalties, and other consequences for the organization that owns the server.
Overall, it is important to keep an Ubuntu server up to date with the latest security patches to minimize the risk of these and other security issues. By using automatic updates, you can ensure that your server is always protected against the latest security threats and vulnerabilities.
Unattended-Upgrades
To install unattended-upgrades on an Ubuntu server, you can use the following steps:
sudo apt update- Once the package index is updated, run the following command to install the unattended-upgrades package:
sudo apt install unattended-upgrades- After the installation is complete, you can configure the package by editing the
/etc/apt/apt.conf.d/50unattended-upgradesfile. - Find the
Unattended-Upgrade::Allowed-Originssection and add your Ubuntu release and any other package repositories that you want to include in the automatic updates. For example:
Reconfigure the package
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgradesSelect YES in the next option:
Check the work by opening the config file:
sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20auto-upgrades
This is what you’re looking for. We don’t want it to automatically reboot, so we won’t add the flag here. Unattended-Upgrade "1" means it will happen daily.
