How to Minimize the Risk of Malware

By adhering to these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections and strengthen the overall security posture of your STATO environment

1. Use trusted repositories

• Stick to official sources: Always install software from your Linux distribution’s official repositories (e.g., APT for Ubuntu/Debian, YUM/DNF for CentOS/RHEL). These repositories are regularly vetted and maintained by trusted developers, ensuring a higher level of security.

• Verify external sources: If you need to use third-party repositories or download packages from external sources, ensure they are well-known, trusted, and verified. Always check for digital signatures and authenticity.

2. Opt for minimalist installation

• Install only essential packages: Limit the installation to only the software necessary for your server’s intended purpose. A minimalist approach reduces the potential attack surface by limiting the number of installed packages that could be compromised.

3. Keep the operating system and packages up-to-date

• Timely kernel and software updates: Regularly update the Linux kernel and all installed packages to ensure that security vulnerabilities are promptly patched. Consider automating this process where possible to minimize delays.

4. Implement strong access controls

• Enforce Strong SSH Keys: Mandate the use of strong, unique SSH keys for server access. Avoid using weak or default passwords.