Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too) | by Faruk Ahmed | Aug, 2025

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Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too)

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One of the most underrated Linux hardening techniques is also one of the simplest: read-only partitions. In a world of ransomware, m…


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Faruk

Member-only story

Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too)

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Share

Intro

One of the most underrated Linux hardening techniques is also one of the simplest: read-only partitions. In a world of ransomware, misconfigurations, and stealthy rootkits, setting parts of your system to read-only is a powerful and low-effort win.

Here’s why I use it — and how you can start applying it today without breaking your setup.

🔒 What Is a Read-Only Partition?

A read-only partition is exactly what it sounds like: a part of your file system that can’t be modified — no writing, no deleting, no tampering.

You can mount directories like /boot, /usr, or even / with the ro (read-only) flag. The goal? Reduce the writable attack surface and prevent malicious or accidental changes.

💡 Why Bother Making It Read-Only?

✅ 1. Stops Persistence

Many malware and rootkits need to write to disk. A read-only mount blocks this — instantly breaking most persistence mechanisms.

✅ 2. Prevents Accidental Changes

Ever typo a command as root and nuked something important? A read-only setup makes critical directories…

👉 Read Full Blog on Medium Here


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Faruk


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Faruk | Sciencx (2025-08-18T11:47:56+00:00) Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too) | by Faruk Ahmed | Aug, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/18/why-i-use-read-only-partitions-on-my-linux-servers-and-you-should-too-by-faruk-ahmed-aug-2025/

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" » Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too) | by Faruk Ahmed | Aug, 2025." Faruk | Sciencx - Monday August 18, 2025, https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/18/why-i-use-read-only-partitions-on-my-linux-servers-and-you-should-too-by-faruk-ahmed-aug-2025/
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Faruk | Sciencx Monday August 18, 2025 » Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too) | by Faruk Ahmed | Aug, 2025., viewed ,<https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/18/why-i-use-read-only-partitions-on-my-linux-servers-and-you-should-too-by-faruk-ahmed-aug-2025/>
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» Why I Use Read-Only Partitions on My Linux Servers (And You Should Too) | by Faruk Ahmed | Aug, 2025 | Faruk | Sciencx | https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/18/why-i-use-read-only-partitions-on-my-linux-servers-and-you-should-too-by-faruk-ahmed-aug-2025/ |

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