The Home Server Security Checklist

Security doesn't have to be complicated. Work through this checklist and you'll avoid the mistakes that get home servers compromised.

1. Lock down SSH

• Disable password login and use SSH keys only.
• Change the default port to reduce automated noise.
• Consider fail2ban to block brute-force attempts.

# /etc/ssh/sshd_config
PasswordAuthentication no
PermitRootLogin no

2. Keep everything updated

Unpatched software is the number-one risk. Enable automatic security updates and update your Docker images regularly.

sudo apt install unattended-upgrades
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

3. Use a firewall

Allow only the ports you actually need. On Ubuntu, ufw makes this simple:

sudo ufw default deny incoming
sudo ufw allow ssh
sudo ufw enable

4. Don't port-forward carelessly

Exposing services directly to the internet is the most common way home servers get hacked. Prefer a VPN like WireGuard or Tailscale. If you must expose something, put it behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS and authentication.

5. Back up — and test restores

Security includes recovering from ransomware or mistakes. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two media, one offsite. An untested backup is not a backup.

6. Principle of least privilege

• Run containers as non-root where possible.
• Give each service only the access it needs.
• Store secrets in environment variables or a secrets manager, never in your repo.

Quick audit

• SSH keys only, root login disabled
• Automatic updates enabled
• Firewall configured
• No unnecessary ports forwarded
• Backups running and tested
• Reverse proxy with TLS for anything exposed

Tick these boxes and your home server will be safer than the vast majority out there.