How to Secure Droplets Using SSH Firewall
When it comes to securing your DigitalOcean droplets, one of the most important steps you can take is to implement a SSH firewall. This firewall helps protect your droplets from unauthorized access and potential security threats. In this guide, we will show you how to secure your droplets using SSH firewall.
Step 1: Accessing Your Droplet
The first step is to access your droplet using SSH. You can do this by opening your terminal and entering the following command:
ssh root@your_droplet_ip
Step 2: Configuring SSH Firewall
Once you have accessed your droplet, you can configure the SSH firewall by editing the SSH configuration file. Open the file using a text editor:
nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Find the following line in the file:
#Port 22
Uncomment the line by removing the '#' symbol and change the port number to a custom port of your choice. This will help protect your droplet from brute force attacks targeting the default port 22.
Step 3: Restarting SSH Service
After making changes to the SSH configuration file, you need to restart the SSH service for the changes to take effect. Enter the following command in your terminal:
service ssh restart
Step 4: Configuring Firewall Rules
Next, you need to configure firewall rules to restrict access to your droplet. You can use tools like UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to easily set up rules. Install UFW by running the following command:
apt-get install ufw
Once UFW is installed, you can enable it and add rules to allow traffic on the custom SSH port you configured earlier:
ufw allow your_custom_ssh_port ufw enable
Step 5: Testing the Firewall
Finally, you should test the firewall to ensure that it is working correctly. Try to SSH into your droplet using the custom port you configured. If you are able to connect successfully, the firewall is properly configured.
Conclusion
Securing your DigitalOcean droplets using an SSH firewall is essential for protecting your data and preventing unauthorized access. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enhance the security of your droplets and minimize the risk of security breaches. Remember to regularly update your firewall rules and monitor your droplet for any suspicious activity.
