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vps-security-hardening

Audit and harden a VPS with fail2ban, SSH hardening, and a configurable firewall.

13|3|Updated May 12, 2026
Search Tags:#security#linux#ssh#firewall#hardening#fail2ban#vps
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/kevinnft/ai-agent-skills --skill vps-security-hardening-kevinnft
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vps-security-hardening
Source: https://github.com/kevinnft/ai-agent-skills/tree/main/skills/devops/vps-security-hardening
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/kevinnft/ai-agent-skills --skill vps-security-hardening-kevinnft

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

VPS security challenges such as exposed SSH, brute-force attempts, and misconfigurations that leave servers vulnerable. This Skill provides a structured approach to audit and harden a VPS with fail2ban, SSH hardening, and a configurable firewall to reduce attack surface.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Install and configure fail2ban for brute-force protection across SSH and other services.
  • Harden SSH settings (disable root login, key-based authentication recommendations, rate limiting, and strong ciphers).
  • Provide an optional firewall setup (e.g., UFW) with safe defaults and verification steps.
  • Use Case: Quick provisioning on a new VPS or security incident response requiring fast hardening and security baselines.

Quick Start

Apply the VPS hardening workflow on a fresh server to enable fail2ban, SSH hardening, and an optional firewall.

Frequently Asked Questions about vps-security-hardening

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I harden SSH and stop brute-force attacks on a new VPS?▼

To harden SSH and stop brute-force attacks on a VPS, disable root login, enforce key-based authentication, apply rate limiting, and configure fail2ban to automatically ban suspicious IPs.

What is the best way to configure a Linux firewall with safe defaults?▼

The best way to configure a Linux firewall with safe defaults is using UFW. Establish testable rules to restrict exposed ports and verify the configuration to ensure legitimate access is maintained.

Does VPS security hardening work across different Linux distributions?▼

VPS security hardening works across Linux distributions. The process applies fail2ban, SSH hardening, and firewall configurations universally during initial server provisioning or ongoing security audits.

How do I audit a VPS after a security incident?▼

To audit a VPS after a security incident, apply a structured hardening workflow to reduce the attack surface by installing fail2ban, tightening SSH settings, and enabling a configurable firewall.

What SSH ciphers and settings should I use for VPS hardening?▼

For VPS hardening, SSH settings should disable root login, mandate key-based authentication, apply rate limiting, and enforce strong ciphers to significantly reduce exposure to remote attacks.

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