It is no surprise that Debian has grown popular as a reliable open-source operating system. The system is also known for offering excellent security and stability. However, despite its many advantages, Debian is also vulnerable to security threats. So, securing your Debian system should be your primary goal. To keep your system safe from security vulnerabilities, you have to install the latest security updates from time to time. This is a comprehensive guide highlighting how to update debian.
How To Check for Available Updates
Security updates for Debian are launched at intervals to ensure that the program is free from vulnerabilities. Note that Debian updates are released only after vulnerabilities have been spotted. To get these security updates, you’ll need to input some commands to configure your system. Below are some of these commands you should add to your /etc/apt/sources.list file:
- deb CODENAME/updates main contrib non-free ;
- Change from CODENAME to the release codename of your version of Debian.
These lines will help you configure your system and keep it ready to receive the newest updates.Step-by-Step Procedure for Applying UpdatesAfter configuring your Debian system, you can follow this guide below to apply your Debian updates:
- You have to launch a terminal window (enter Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal window) ;
- Update your package list by entering this code : apt-get update && apt-get upgrade. Doing this will allow any available security updates to install ;
- Type the command apt-get dist-upgrade to check for available updates ;
- You need to verify the updates by inputing the command apt-get update && apt-get upgrade.
Note that upgrading your Debian will also require a system reboot.
Best Practices to Minimize Risks During Updates
There are some steps you can take to reduce risks when updating your Debian. These practices include :
- Backing up your data before starting your update will save you from losing data ;
- When you carry out updates regularly, you will minimize the risk of security vulnerabilities ;
- Using “upgrade” instead of “dist-upgrade” as your command for upgrade will allow you to install the latest models of the package installer ;
- Use only Debian repositories to get legit updates ;
- Monitor the update to be sure that nothing goes wrong ;
- You must avoid updating with a VPN to prevent connectivity issues ;
- Test the updates on a less critical system before applying them to your main system.
Tips for Monitoring Update Status and Maintaining Long-Term Security
Here is how to monitor your Debian update status and maintain its security for the long-term :
- Configure firewall: you can do this by allowing ports for HTTP, OpenSSH, and HTTPS ;
- Install NetData for the real-time performance of your system via detailed dashboards ;
- You need to Install SSL via Debian’s repository ;
- Install the latest version of Nginx via Nginx repository.
Configure Nginx by creating and opening the file /etc/nginx/conf.d/netdata.conf
Conclusion
Figuring out how to update Debian is vital if you want your operating system to perform optimally. Following this guide will ensure that your system stays updated at all times. You should create strong passwords and put off services that aren’t necessary because doing this will save you from security vulnerabilities.
