Install, Secure, and Use 1Panel – A Powerful Linux Server Management Dashboard

What Is 1Panel?

1Panel is a modern open‑source web control panel designed for Linux server management. As of now it has earned over 32,000 stars on GitHub and offers a graphical interface to manage applications, websites, files, databases, and large language models (LLMs), simplifying complex server tasks.

Core Features

Efficient Management : Web UI for host monitoring, file handling, database, container, and LLM management.

One‑Click Site Deployment : Deep integration with WordPress and Halo, with instant domain binding and SSL configuration.

Application Store : Curated open‑source tools and software that can be installed or upgraded with a click.

Security & Reliability : Container‑based deployment reduces attack surface; includes virus protection, firewall, and audit logging.

One‑Click Backup : Supports backup to various cloud storage services to prevent data loss.

Installation

Run the following command to install 1Panel automatically:

curl -sSL https://resource.fit2cloud.com/1panel/package/quick_start.sh -o quick_start.sh && sudo bash quick_start.sh

After execution, the terminal will display a completion message and provide the URLs, usernames, and passwords for both external and internal access.

Access the panel via the displayed web address and log in with the generated credentials.

Panel Hardening (Recommended Steps)

Without hardening, the panel is exposed to quick scans. Follow these actions:

4.1 Modify Default Settings

Adjust the three default configurations to hide the panel from scanners (see accompanying screenshot).

4.2 Add an IP Whitelist

Navigate to Panel Settings → Security → Authorized IP and enter your home or office IP address so only that IP can reach the panel.

4.3 Enable Firewall & Fail2ban

Go to Left Sidebar → Firewall → Enable firewalld/ufw (Ubuntu selects automatically).

Open Toolbox → Install Fail2ban → Enable SSH protection ; after three failed attempts the IP is blocked.

Backup Configuration

Set up a backup account via Panel Settings → Backup Account → Add .

Create scheduled backup tasks on the dashboard under Plan Tasks → Add , choosing website or database and storage destination (e.g., Tencent Cloud OSS or local).

Recommend at least weekly backups; restoration is a single click, saving far more time than manual SQL dumps.

Common Pitfalls for Beginners

Typical issues include open ports, unsecured entry points, and running the panel as root. Review the panel’s logs, verify firewall rules, and apply the hardening steps above to avoid these problems.

References

Official website: https://1panel.cn

Documentation: https://1panel.cn/docs

GitHub repository: https://github.com/1Panel-dev/1Panel

Community forum: https://bbs.fit2cloud.com/c/1p/7