Install Apache Web Server and Perform the Initial Firewall Configuration

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Install Apache Web Server and Perform the Initial Firewall Configuration

In this lab, we will install Apache web server, and then start it and enable it to start at boot. We will then install and configure the firewall. We will also open up two ports: port 22 and port 80. We need to open up port 22 because we will be connected via SSH and don't want to enforce firewall rules before we allow our own traffic — otherwise, we'll lock ourselves out. It is important to open port 22 before applying any firewall rules, as opening port 80 means we can access the Apache demo page from outside and confirm our Apache server is functional and accessible from the outside world.

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Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Sep 23, 2025

Duration

30m

Challenge

Install, Start, and Enable Apache Web Server
1. Install Apache web server:
  
  sudo yum install httpd
2. Start Apache web server:
  
  sudo systemctl start httpd
3. Check the status of Apache web server:
  
  sudo systemctl status httpd
4. Enable Apache to start at boot:
  
  sudo systemctl enable httpd

Challenge

Install Start and Enable `firewalld`

Install firewalld:
```
sudo yum install firewalld
```
Start firewalld:
```
sudo systemctl start firewalld
```
Check the status of firewalld:
```
sudo systemctl status firewalld
```
Enable firewalld:
```
sudo systemctl enable firewalld
```

Challenge

Implement Permanent Firewall Rules to Allow Traffic on Ports 80 and 22
1. Open port 80:
  
  sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=80/tcp --permanent
2. Open port 22:
  
  sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=22/tcp --permanent
Challenge

Re-Log in via SSH to Confirm Your Firewall Configuration Is Correct and Access the Web Server Default Page via the Browser
1. Log out and log back in via SSH:
  
  exit
  
  ssh cloud_user@<SERVER_PUBLIC_IP>
2. Open a new web browser tab, and navigate to the following URL: http://<SERVER_PUBLIC_IP>

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