Shukur's Cyber Chronicles
Building and Hosting my Personal Website
Welcome to another entry in Shukur's Cyber Chronicles where we delve deep into the realms of setting up a secure and reliable VPS on Hetzner Cloud using Ubuntu 22.04. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring a fortified and well-functioning VPS.
Step 1: Creating Your Ubuntu 22.04 VPS
Begin your journey with the initial setup of your Ubuntu 22.04 VPS on the reputable Hetzner Cloud platform. Hetzner offers an intuitive setup guide to get your server operational in no time.
Step 2: Hardening Your VPS
Security is paramount, hence the need to harden your VPS. The following steps are crucial:
- Updating your server to patch any vulnerabilities.
- Installing fail2ban to shield against brute force attacks.
- Enforcing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for heightened security.
- Disabling both password and root login to avert unauthorized access.
Step 3: Configuring Hetzner Firewall
Take your server security a notch higher by configuring the Hetzner Firewall to permit access exclusively from your IP address, thereby protecting your server throughout the project.
Step 4: Installing LEMP Stack
Next on the agenda is installing the LEMP stack which is a potent combo of Linux, Nginx, MySQL, and PHP. This setup is pivotal in laying a solid foundation for your upcoming WordPress site.
Step 5: Setting Up WordPress
With the LEMP stack ready, it's time to install WordPress. During the installation:
- Configure the necessary security settings to guard against potential threats.
- Set up basic settings to start on a sound footing.
Step 6: Domain Registration with Google Domains
Secure a domain name with Google Domains, and ensure to create the base and 'www' A records directing to your Hetzner VPS.
Step 7: Configuring Nginx with Certbot/Letsencrypt
Before delving into SSL certification with Certbot/Letsencrypt:
- Adjust your firewall rules to allow HTTP/S traffic.
- Configure Nginx accurately to facilitate a smooth certification process.
Step 8: Finding and Installing a WordPress vCard Theme
Give your WordPress site a professional touch by selecting and installing a vCard theme from ThemeForest.
Step 9: Enhancing Security with WP Plugins
As a final step, bolster your site's defense mechanism by incorporating free, yet effective, security plugins available for WordPress.
Conclusion
Following this detailed guide ensures a secure, functional, and visually appealing website hosted on an Ubuntu 22.04 VPS in the Hetzner Cloud. Remember, the key to a secure system is regular updates; therefore, keep your system and plugins up-to-date to enjoy a secure and fluid user experience.