Set USB device authorization rules with USBGuard, a framework for controlling device access.
The Best How to Secure a Linux Server Alternatives in 2026
Looking for something like How to Secure a Linux Server? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 1 are free or have a free plan and 12 are open source.
Follow this evolving guide for steps and configuration examples to secure a Linux server.
Top picks at a glance
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USBGuard | — | Yes | Linux |
| 2 | macOS Privacy Guide | — | Yes | macOS |
| 3 | Santa | — | Yes | macOS |
| 4 | Linux Hardening | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 5 | Tracee | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 6 | Qubes | — | Not stated | Web |
| 7 | Linux Hardening | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 8 | JShielder | — | Yes | Linux |
| 9 | Freenet | — | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 10 | Disroot | — | Not stated | iOS, Web |
All How to Secure a Linux Server alternatives
This community guide collects recommendations for improving security and privacy on macOS.
Authorize binary execution and file access on macOS with Santa, a system extension and policy tool.
Linux Hardening
vez.mrsk.me/linux-hardening.htmlThis guide collects Linux kernel and userland settings for improving security and usability, targeting Arch Linux and potentially other distributions.
Tracee
aquasecurity.github.io/tracee/latestTracee monitors runtime security events and supports forensic analysis with eBPF instrumentation.
Qubes
qubes-os.orgQubes OS is a free, open-source operating system for personal computers that uses compartmentalization as a security approach.
Linux Hardening
madaidans-insecurities.github.io/guides/linux-…Follow this Linux hardening guide for steps to improve the security of a Linux system.
Harden Linux servers and deploy LAMP or LEMP stacks with JShielder’s security script.
Freenet
freenet.orgFreenet offers peer-to-peer apps that operate without company control or dedicated servers, according to the project site.
Disroot
disroot.org/en/services/emailDisroot provides secure email accounts that can be accessed through desktop email clients or its webmail interface.
Add face-based authentication to Linux using Howdy, which works with built-in infrared emitters and cameras.
Use a YubiKey challenge-response at system startup to open a LUKS-encrypted disk volume.
Hear when a computer sends requests to Google with Googerteller, which provides audible feedback about browsing activity.
Configure Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall through Gufw, a graphical firewall interface.
Bubblewrap
github.com/containers/bubblewrapBubblewrap provides low-level, unprivileged sandboxing for Flatpak and similar software projects.
Block ads in Safari on Apple devices with wBlock, an open-source blocker that includes lists, scripts, and styles.
Process macOS and iOS disk images or live machines with mac_apt to extract forensic data and metadata.
Mistborn provides a self-hosted virtual private cloud with a web interface, firewall, WireGuard VPN, Pi-hole, DNSCrypt, and IP filtering.
Web
github.com/freenet/webThis repository contains the source code for the Freenet website, including its main Hugo-generated site.
Export personal data with Surfer Protocol, an open-source framework with a desktop app and Python SDK.
Gas Mask
github.com/2ndalpha/gasmaskEdit and switch between hosts files on macOS with Gas Mask, a hosts file manager.
ClashMac
github.com/666OS/ClashMacManage proxy connections on macOS with ClashMac, a native client that includes traffic routing views.
ShuffleStacks
shufflecake.netShufflecake is a Linux tool for creating multiple hidden filesystems with plausible deniability.
WhoAmI Project
owerdogan.github.io/whoami-projectUse the WhoAmI Project to configure enhanced privacy and anonymity for Debian- or Arch-based Linux distributions.
Alternatives to similar tools
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Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative






















