ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF)
ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF) is a security application for Linux that provides a stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall, intrusion detection, and other protective features. It is used to control access and protect the server from common attacks.
CSF works by examining the state of network connections to filter traffic. It includes the Login Failure Daemon (LFD) process, which automatically blocks IP addresses that show signs of brute-force login attempts against server services. The firewall allows for granular control, such as blocking traffic from entire countries and limiting connection rates. CSF also integrates directly with control panels like cPanel and InterWorx.
This collection of articles will guide you through the installation, configuration, and management of this essential security application.
Adjusting LFD Notifications for Load Levels
LFD monitors server security and load levels. Adjust PT_Load_Level in WHM to prevent false positives by matching it to the server’s CPU cores.
Allowing Port Access by IP Address in CSF
Each open firewall port is a potential vulnerability. It’s vital to keep all ports closed except for those essential for your server’s applications.
Backing Up Your CSF Firewall Configuration
Before modifying CSF firewall settings, backup the current configuration. It ensures site protection if changes lead to unexpected issues, aiding troubleshooting.
Blocking Traffic by Country in the CSF Firewall
Using CSF in WHM, filter and manage traffic by country. This helps with bandwidth, security, and content access but requires careful consideration.
CSF Country Blocking Dependency – Maxmind
Learn about changes to CSF Country Blocking requiring that a key is obtained. Then, there is a value in /etc/csf/csf.conf that needs to be updated with the free license key.
Getting Started with Configserver’s ModSecurity Control Plugin
Use the ConfigServer ModSecurity Control (CMC) plugin in WHM to whitelist specific rules for a secure yet smooth-running site. Configure it with this article’s guidance.
Installing Configserver’s ModSecurity Control Plugin on Your Server
ModSecurity is a Web Application Firewall (WAF) enhancing external security by detecting and preventing web application attacks in real-time. Deploy it seamlessly with minimal infrastructure changes on Apache, IIS7, or Nginx servers. Easily customize its features, but remember to add the plugin to WHM if using cPanel.
Restoring CSF Firewall Configuration from a Backup
Taking a backup of your CSF Firewall Configuration is important before you make changes to it. This article explains how to restore your configuration from the backup. This will help keep your site protected if the configuration changes don’t work as expected or break something within the CSF firewall.
Setting Up ModSecurity Configuration
Customize ModSecurity’s global settings using the ModSecurity Configuration. Learn to enable the settings you need in this guide.
Using CSF Firewall to Mitigate DoS/DDoS Attacks
Mitigating DoS and DDoS attacks is challenging. There’s no way to prevent them, but we can reduce their impact and, in extreme cases, take the server temporarily offline.