Let’s be clear:

Yes, people are busy, and maintaining software isn’t always enjoyable. No one is saying you need to run the absolute latest, bleeding-edge updates every single day.

However, if you let your server fall behind for six (6) months or more, even because of a busy schedule, you’re effectively putting your users and your instance at risk. At that point, it’s more responsible to participate as a user rather than as a system administrator.

System administration isn’t just about enthusiasm — it requires consistent upkeep, attention to security, and a willingness to stay reasonably current with updates. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow for that, it’s completely okay. It’s better to recognize your limits than to run a server that could become a liability to the wider Fediverse.

#Fediverse #ActivityPub #Mastodon #Misskey #PixelFed #PeerTube #Sharkey #Loops #Akkoma #Pleroma #Mbin #Lemmy #InfoSec #Security #Hack #FOSS #OpenSource #Linux #BSD #FreeBSD

5 Fediverse sites have been hacked due to running outdated software.

Please take a moment to ensure that your instance of Mastodon, Misskey, PeerTube, PixelFed, or any other Fediverse platform is fully up-to-date.

It may also be wise to log into your server and update your operating system.

Debian / Ubuntu servers:

sudo apt update
sudo apt dist-upgrade
sudo reboot

Fedora / CentOS / Red Hat / Alma Linux:

sudo dnf update --refresh
sudo dnf upgrade
sudo reboot

If you update your OS, your server will be briefly offline during the reboot. If you have not configured your web services — including your Fediverse service — to start automatically on boot, you may need to start them manually afterward.

Always make a backup before performing upgrades.

If any of this is confusing or feels overwhelming, you should reconsider whether you want to be a server administrator. This is not meant as an insult. It’s great that you wanted to contribute to the Fediverse, but you may be better off participating as a user rather than an admin. People depend on you to keep services running smoothly, and that requires knowing how to maintain your system safely and correctly.

#Fediverse #ActivityPub #Mastodon #Misskey #PixelFed #PeerTube #Sharkey #Loops #Akkoma #Pleroma #Mbin #Lemmy #InfoSec #Security #Hack #Foss #OpenSource #Linux