Linux servers are widely used in many fields such as Web services, databases, cloud computing, virtualization and enterprise applications. For Linux servers in data centers or cloud platforms distributed around the world, how to perform remote management efficiently and securely is a basic skill that system administrators, developers and operation and maintenance engineers must master.
Basic methods of remote management of Linux servers
The essence of remote management of Linux servers is to achieve the operation, configuration, monitoring and maintenance of remote systems. Common remote management methods include command-line-based SSH management, Web management panel, remote file management, API or cloud console management, etc.
Command-line-based SSH management: SSH is the most commonly used and secure remote management protocol. Through SSH, administrators can directly access the Linux terminal to execute commands, edit files, configure services, etc. in plain text. SSH listens on port 22 by default and can be authenticated by key or username and password.
Web management panel: Such as Baota Panel (BT), Webmin, Cockpit, etc., provide a Web-based graphical operation interface, suitable for users who are not familiar with the command line. Remote configuration, service management, monitoring and security policy settings can be achieved through a browser.
Remote file management: Through protocols such as SFTP, SCP, and rsync, you can efficiently and securely upload, download, and synchronize remote files.
API or cloud console management: For cloud platform Linux servers, you can use the API or console provided by cloud vendors to implement remote operation and maintenance, snapshot management, monitoring, scaling, and other operations.
Core tools for remote management
To efficiently manage Linux servers remotely, you need to master the following tools and technologies:
SSH client tools
Linux/Unix/MacOS comes with SSH client: Use the ssh command directly in the terminal.
Windows recommended tools: PuTTY, MobaXterm, Xshell, etc.
Cross-platform graphical tools: Termius, SecureCRT.
File transfer tools
SFTP: WinSCP, FileZilla.
SCP: Suitable for quickly copying files in the command line.
rsync: An efficient incremental file synchronization tool suitable for large files or regular backup tasks.
Web management panel
Webmin: Full-featured and supports multiple languages.
Cockpit: Red Hat, CentOS and other official recommended panels, supports Docker, storage and other modules.
Baota Panel: Familiar to domestic users, easy to use.
Operation and maintenance auxiliary tools
tmux / screen: used for session maintenance to prevent task interruption due to network disconnection.
Ansible / SaltStack: Batch remote management and automated operation and maintenance.
fail2ban / iptables / firewalld: Security protection tools to prevent malicious attacks.
Security configuration recommendations for remote management
When remotely managing Linux servers, security protection is a key factor that must be given priority. The main measures include:
1. Disable password login and enable SSH key authentication
Key authentication is more secure than passwords. Configuration process:
Generate a key pair locally: ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096
Upload the public key to the server: ssh-copy-id user@server_ip
Modify /etc/ssh/sshd_config:
PasswordAuthentication no
PermitRootLogin noRestart the SSH service: systemctl restart sshd
2. Modify the default SSH port
To prevent scanners and brute force tools from automatically attacking port 22, you can modify the SSH listening port. For example:
Port 22022After modification, you need to open a new port in the firewall.
3. Configure the firewall and security group
Use iptables, firewalld, or cloud console security group rules to limit SSH access source IP to reduce the risk of being attacked. For example:
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-rich-rule='rule family="ipv4" source address="your IP" port port="22022" protocol="tcp" accept'Refresh rules:
firewall-cmd --reload4. Enable two-factor authentication
Combined with TOTP tools such as Google Authenticator, dynamic verification codes are required when logging in to further improve security.
5. Enable log monitoring and alerts
Automatically block abnormal login attempts through fail2ban, and monitor SSH login logs in real time through logwatch, ELK or cloud monitoring platforms.
Remote management of Linux servers is a compulsory course for every operation and maintenance engineer. Only by mastering a variety of remote management tools, configuring security policies reasonably, and adhering to best practices can the high availability, security and stability of the server be guaranteed. With the development of cloud computing and automation technology, remote management will become more efficient and intelligent, but security protection is always the top priority. When building remote management solutions, enterprises and individuals must tailor solutions to suit themselves from multiple dimensions such as security, operation and maintenance efficiency, and business needs.
