What to do before connecting Ubuntu Server to the internet for the first time?

Posted by CodeMonkey on Super User See other posts from Super User or by CodeMonkey
Published on 2012-11-27T12:39:05Z Indexed on 2012/11/29 5:08 UTC
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ubuntu

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security

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internet

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ubuntu-12.10

I just finished installing Ubuntu Server 12.10 on an Asus Eee PC 1000H (to be used as a home server/sandbox) from USB. I installed this software during installation:

OpenSSH server
LAMP server
Samba file server
Virtual Machine host

I won't use 2, 3 or 4 for a while though. Can/should I turn these off somehow?

I have turned home directory encryption on.
Security updates are installed automatically.
I have chosen a strong password for the single user.

I have never plugged in the internet cable so far. Before doing so I'd like to ask:

What can/should I do/install to increase security before connecting to the internet?

Firewall? Fail2ban? Users/Passwords? Encryption? Enable/Disable functionality? etc.

I'm sorry if you get this question a lot. I've searched around quite a while, but it still feels like I might overlook something important.

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