Author: David Singer

What is Git-Secret?

Git-secret is a bash tool that is used to store your private files and information inside of a git repo on your server. The git-secret tool allows us to encrypt sensitive files that are stored inside a secure, encrypted repository. In this article, we will be examining the process of installing and working with git-secret on an 18.04 Ubuntu Server.

What is Lynis?

Lynis is a well known, seasoned security tool for Linux based systems (including macOS and/or other Unix-based operating systems. It performs an extensive health scan of your systems to support system hardening and compliance testing. The project is open-source software with the GPL license and available since 2007.

What is OpenVPN?

The OpenVPN software bundle is a set of open-source, virtual private network (VPN) applications used to create a direct, secure site-to-site connection that provides remote access between two locations. 

What is GPG?

GnuPG (or Gnu Privacy Guard) is an adaptation of an earlier encryption standard known as PGP (or Pretty Good Privacy). GPG uses the method of "public" and "private" keys for the encryption and signing of messages or data.

Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) is a compact assessment and evaluation tool that is used to collect a wide array of server metrics and examines current and prior operational data. It is designed to be easily customizable utilizing modern APIs and other resources used to extend its functionality. Redhat has taken many of the best features of DStat and coupled them with additional capabilities that extended its usefulness, and have created their own updated version called Performance Co-Pilot.

What Is Fail2Ban?

Fail2ban is an open-source software that actively scans the servers log files in real-time for any brute force login attempts, and if found, summarily blocks the attack using the servers firewall software (firewalld or iptables). Fail2Ban runs as a background process and continuously scans the log files for unusual login patterns and security breach attempts.

What is Siege?

Siege is a remote host http/https regression testing and benchmarking tool that can be used to test the performance of your web server under duress to see how it will perform. 

What is SQuirreL SQL Client?

The SQuirreL SQL Client is an open-source, graphical Java database administration tool that will allow you to review the structure of a JDBC compliant database, browse the data in tables, and issue SQL commands.

We here at Liquid Web know how important good solid information can be. We also know that we have some of the most intelligent customers on the planet. With this in mind, we opt to try and ensure that you are kept up to date on the latest tech and information. It is with this in mind we continue to offer the latest knowledge available regarding ways to improve your service, upgrade your ability to work with your server(s), and enhance your overall effectiveness in growing your business.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe and explore ways to copy or backup your currently existing installed software titles into a single file for later use. We can then use this file to reinstall the software onto another system or clone the existing software across multiple Linux systems on or across a network. This method also prevents the need to install software titles one by one.