A practical security checklist for a Mac mini home server
A can run smoothly while still having serious security gaps. Risky examples include SSH left on the default port 22 with password login still enabled, exposed to the internet without limits on repeated login attempts, and the Pi-hole admin page reachable from outside the home network. Several were also running with root access.
There was no clear sign of a break-in, but the exposure was real. The useful fix was a full check, not a quick patch: review , firewall rules, which services truly need internet access, old default passwords, and fail2ban settings. need special .
netstat and nmap can show services that were opened months ago and then forgotten.
Key points
- SSH with password login enabled can invite random login attempts.
- Public services such as should limit repeated login attempts.
- Admin pages like Pi-hole should normally stay private to the home network.
- should not run with root access unless there is a clear need.
- netstat and nmap can reveal that were forgotten.