In this guide, a lightweight Linux firewall is created using UFW and fail2ban for robust security with minimal resource consumption.
UFW simplifies iptables configuration, while fail2ban bans IPs showing malicious behavior like repeated login failures.
The combination controls service accessibility, blocks brute force attacks, and deters network-based threats.
Setting up UFW involves installation, basic configuration, allowing essential services, working with service names, and enabling IP-specific rules.
Managing UFW includes commands for checking status, deleting rules, and disabling the firewall.
Installing fail2ban, customizing configurations, creating jails, and starting fail2ban are part of setting up this intrusion prevention system.
Advanced configurations cover rate limiting with UFW, creating custom fail2ban filters, whitelisting IPs, and monitoring banned IPs.
Best practices include testing configurations, regular audits, frequent updates, layered security, backups, and emergency access plans.
Troubleshooting addresses common issues like 'Connection refused,' fail2ban not banning IPs, and being locked out of SSH.
By combining UFW and fail2ban, a powerful yet resource-efficient firewall solution is established for Linux servers, enhancing security while being easy to manage.