Securing and Hardening Linux Dedicated Server

When we hosted the linux dedicated server or virtual private server(VPS) in a data center, security of the system is very important in order to ensure the data and the information are safe from the hackers. Securing and hardening linux dedicated server is mandatory when nearly every computing resources and the application systems is online and susceptible to attack. This post share basic security and hardening tips for the linux dedicated server. If you are plan to host your own linux dedicated server, then this post should able to provide you a good baseline and ideas. The following are the best practices to securing and hardening linux dedicated server :
1. Patching Linux Systems
2. Keep Linux Kernel and Software such as WordPress/Joomla Up to Date
3. Secure SSH
4. Enforcing Stronger Passwords and Password Aging
5. Disable Unnecessary Processes, Services and Daemons
6. Install a host based firewall to protect your dedicated server from unauthorized access
7. Implement Linux Kernel /etc/sysctl.conf hardening
8. Configure Logging and Auditing
9. Install And Use Intrusion Detection System