[Cialug] More Linux Basics? - Hardening and Email

[jim kraai]

i'm in the middle of doing my first internet-exposed server install from
scratch in (way too many) years.

i chose:
- linode host because i'm really cheap
- ubuntu 12.04.4 lts only for familiarity

the server is going to be used for
- a few static and brochureware drupal web sites for local non-geek
non-profits
- goofing off / learning

linode has nice guides for getting started and securing your node, and i
followed all of the steps:
- https://library.linode.com/getting-started
- https://library.linode.com/securing-your-server
and then followed (almost all of) these:
  -
http://www.thefanclub.co.za/how-to/how-secure-ubuntu-1204-lts-server-part-1-basics

i'm (naively, to be sure) pretty impressed with the hardening
tools/techniques available these days.

all of the above is criticism bait, but the real question is:

Why has setting up a secure'ish email server not gotten any better in the
last ten years?  Will the horror never end?

--jim