this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2023
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Hello fellow Linux enthusiasts!

As many of you know, Linux can be a powerful and flexible operating system, but it can also be daunting for new users, especially when it comes to securing their systems. With the abundance of information available online, it's easy to get overwhelmed and confused about the best practices for firewall configuration and basic security.

That's why I reaching out to the Linux community for help. I am looking users who are willing to share their expertise and write a comprehensive guide to Linux firewall and security.

The goal of this guide is to provide a centralized resource that covers the following topics:

Introduction to Linux firewalls (e.g., firewalld, ufw, etc.)
Understanding basic security principles (e.g., ports, protocols, network traffic)
Configuring firewalls for various scenarios (e.g., home networks, servers, VPNs)
Best practices for securing Linux systems (e.g., password management, package updates, file permissions)
Troubleshooting common issues and errors
Advanced topics (e.g., network segmentation, SELinux, AppArmor)

I am looking for a well-structured and easy-to-follow guide that will help new users understand the fundamentals of Linux firewall and security, while also providing advanced users with a comprehensive resource for reference.

If you're interested in contributing to this project, please reply to this post with your experience and expertise in Linux firewall and security. We'll be happy to discuss the details and work together to create a high-quality guide that benefits the Linux community.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and im looking forward to hearing from you!

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[–] AProfessional@lemmy.world 10 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

Home networks are full of trash like iot devices, like smart speakers, tvs, plugs, etc. Average people should have firewalls. It’s free.

[–] LordKitsuna@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

If you genuinely wish to isolate those devices the correct way to do it is not with client firewalls but with a Smart Switch and vlans

[–] AnonStoleMyPants@sopuli.xyz 1 points 11 months ago

Man, I should do this one of these days.

[–] gohixo9650@discuss.tchncs.de -1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

if you have set up your whole home like being bugged you'll not gain much from a firewall in the most secure of devices among them.

[–] AProfessional@lemmy.world 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Sure you will, the literal point of a firewall is to isolate trusted and untrusted devices.

[–] gohixo9650@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

my point was that at this point, you have more serious problems than first securing the device which by default is the most secure one among them. I mean it needs much more expertise and targeted attack for someone to break into your local network, and then manage to break into your linux machine, which by default is quite secure regardless, compared to the effort that is required to find unsecured IOT devices and get the data they happily share open in the wild.

If your home network is bugged with microphones and cameras without any proper security measures, adding a firewall in a linux laptop shouldn't be your priority. In contrary it is "dangerous" as a non tech savvy person may think that they are more "secure" now, while in fact they have added zero protection to all the sensitive data that they give in the surveillance devices they willingly put in their home.

[–] AProfessional@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

This is all true… but a firewall takes no effort. It is the default on many OSes. Why not.