How to Enable Root Access for Cloud Server on AlmaLinux: A Complete Guide
Enabling root access on a cloud server running AlmaLinux is essential for system administrators who need full control over their server. AlmaLinux, a robust and open-source alternative to CentOS, is popular in cloud and enterprise environments due to its stability and RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) compatibility.
In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to enable root access securely on an AlmaLinux cloud server. Whether you’re setting up a new server or need root permissions for administrative tasks, this tutorial is for you.
What is AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux is an open-source, community-driven Linux distribution that serves as a direct replacement for CentOS. It’s designed to be binary-compatible with RHEL, making it a reliable choice for enterprise-level applications, cloud computing, and hosting environments.
Key Features of AlmaLinux:
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1:1 binary compatibility with RHEL
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Free and open-source
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Regular updates and long-term support
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Enterprise-grade stability
Why Enable Root Access?
Root access allows you to:
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Install and configure software packages
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Manage system files and directories
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Control user permissions
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Execute critical administrative tasks
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Troubleshoot and optimise server performance
However, enabling root access must be done carefully to avoid security vulnerabilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Root Access on AlmaLinux
Step 1: Connect to Your Server via SSH
First, connect to your cloud server using an SSH client like PuTTY (for Windows) or Terminal (for macOS/Linux):
ssh username@your_server_ip
Replace username With your current user and your_server_ip With your server’s public IP address.
Step 2: Switch to Root User
If your current user has sudo privileges, you can switch to the root user:
sudo su -
You’ll be prompted to enter your user password.
Step 3: Set or Change the Root Password
To set a root password (or change it if you already have one):
passwd
You’ll be asked to enter a new password and confirm it. Make sure to use a strong password combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
Step 4: Enable Root Login via SSH
By default, many cloud providers disable direct root login for security reasons. To enable it:
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Open the SSH configuration file in a text editor like
viornano:
vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config
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Look for the following directive:
PermitRootLogin no
Change it to:
PermitRootLogin yes
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Save and exit the file.
For vi, press Esc, type :wq, and press Enter.
Step 5: Restart SSH Service
Apply the changes by restarting the SSH service:
systemctl restart sshd
Step 6: Verify Root Access
Log out of the server and attempt to log in directly as root:
ssh root@your_server_ip
If successful, you now have direct root access.
Important Security Tips
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Disable Root Login via SSH After Task Completion: Keeping root login enabled poses security risks. Disable it again by setting
PermitRootLogin no. -
Use SSH Key Authentication: It’s safer than password-based authentication.
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Enable Firewalls: Use
firewalldoriptablesto protect your server. -
Regularly Update AlmaLinux: Keep your system up to date with:
dnf update -y
Bonus: How to Add a New User with Sudo Privileges
If you prefer not to use root directly, create a new user with sudo rights:
adduser newuser
passwd newuser
usermod -aG wheel newuser
Now, newuser can perform administrative tasks with sudo.
Conclusion
Enabling root access on AlmaLinux gives you full administrative control over your cloud server, but with great power comes great responsibility. Always prioritize security by using SSH keys, disabling root login when not needed, and keeping the system patched.
By following the steps above, you’ll have a secure and flexible server environment for all your cloud projects.
FAQs
1. What is AlmaLinux used for?
AlmaLinux is used as a server OS in enterprise environments, especially where CentOS was previously used. It supports cloud deployments, hosting, and database servers.
2. Is it safe to enable root access on AlmaLinux?
Yes, but only if you secure your server with strong passwords, SSH keys, and firewall configurations.
3. How do I disable root access after enabling it?
Simply edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file and set PermitRootLogin no, then restart the SSH service.
4. Can I use sudo instead of root?
Absolutely. Using sudo is a best practice for administrative tasks while reducing risks associated with full root access.
5. How often should I update AlmaLinux?
Regularly check for updates and apply them to maintain security and performance.
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