The closure of ConfigServer.com in August 2025 is a pivotal moment for Linux server administrators and web hosts. For years, ConfigServer’s suite—including csf (ConfigServer Security & Firewall), cxs (ConfigServer Exploit Scanner), MSFE (MailScanner Front-End), and OSM (Outgoing Spam Monitor)—has been a staple for server security, spam control, and system management. With official support and updates ending, running these tools now poses security and compliance risks.
If you rely on ConfigServer products, it’s time to plan your migration. This guide explores the best alternatives—both free and commercial—to keep your servers secure, compliant, and future-proof. We’ll cover firewall solutions, malware scanners, mail security, and more, with actionable steps and resources to help you transition smoothly.
Why Replace ConfigServer Software?
Unsupported software is a liability. Without updates, vulnerabilities go unpatched, compliance is jeopardized, and compatibility with new Linux releases is uncertain. According to Google Search Central, keeping software up to date is a core security best practice. Industry experts and sysadmin communities echo this advice, urging proactive migration to supported solutions (Yoast SEO, WordPress.org SEO).
1. Firewall and Brute Force Protection: csf Alternatives
ConfigServer Security & Firewall (csf) provided robust iptables management, brute force protection, and security auditing. Its loss leaves a gap, but several tools can fill it:
- UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall): A user-friendly interface for iptables, ideal for Ubuntu/Debian.
- Firewalld: Dynamic firewall manager, default on CentOS/RHEL.
- Fail2Ban: Monitors logs and bans IPs after failed login attempts.
- APF (Advanced Policy Firewall): Another iptables-based firewall, similar in spirit to csf.
- Cloudflare / Sucuri: Commercial web application firewalls for DDoS and advanced filtering.
Actionable Steps
- Audit your current csf rules and export them.
- Choose a replacement (UFW, Firewalld, or APF for local; Cloudflare for web).
- Test rules in a staging environment.
- Enable logging and alerts for suspicious activity.
2. Malware and Exploit Scanning: cxs Alternatives
ConfigServer Exploit Scanner (cxs) scanned for malware and exploits in web hosting environments. For similar protection:
- ImunifyAV/Imunify360: Commercial, feature-rich malware scanner and security suite.
- Maldet (Linux Malware Detect): Free, open-source malware scanner.
- ClamAV: Open-source antivirus, often paired with Maldet.
- Rfxn Linux Exploit Suggester: For vulnerability assessment.
Actionable Steps
- Back up your web root and user directories.
- Install Maldet or ImunifyAV and run a full scan.
- Set up regular scheduled scans and email alerts.
- Integrate with ClamAV for layered protection.
3. Mail Security and Spam Filtering: MSFE & OSM Alternatives
MailScanner Front-End (MSFE) and Outgoing Spam Monitor (OSM) helped manage mail security and outgoing spam. Their replacements include:
- MailScanner (standalone): Continue using MailScanner with manual or community GUIs.
- MailWatch: Web-based front-end for MailScanner.
- Amavis + ClamAV / SpamAssassin: Alternative mail filtering stack.
- Rspamd: Modern spam filtering with web UI and outgoing spam monitoring.
- Custom Postfix/Exim log scripts: For advanced users (Postfix, Exim).
Actionable Steps
- Export your current mail filtering and spam rules.
- Deploy Rspamd or MailScanner+MailWatch in a test environment.
- Monitor outgoing mail logs for spam patterns.
- Set up alerts for high-volume or suspicious outbound mail.
4. Other ConfigServer Tools: Replacements
- ConfigServer Mail Queues (cmq): Use built-in Exim / Postfix tools or MailWatch.
- ConfigServer Mail Manage (cmm): Use cPanel/WHM or direct mail server management tools.
- ConfigServer Modsecurity Control (cmc): Use ModSecurity’s native tools or cPanel/WHM integration.
- ConfigServer Explorer (cse): Use Midnight Commander (mc), Webmin, or file managers with SSH/SFTP.
General Migration Recommendations
- Backup and Document: Always back up configs and document your setup before changes.
- Test Alternatives: Use a staging server to test new tools and configurations.
- Monitor Security: Consider host intrusion detection like OSSEC, Wazuh, or CrowdSec.
- Join Communities: Forums and sysadmin groups are invaluable for troubleshooting and migration tips.
Supporting Evidence & Resources
- Imunify Security
- Maldet
- Rspamd
- Fail2Ban
- Firewalld
- UFW
- MailScanner
- MailWatch
- APF (Advanced Policy Firewall)
- ClamAV
- Amavis
- SpamAssassin
- Cloudflare
- Sucuri
- Midnight Commander (mc)
- Webmin
- ModSecurity
- Postfix
- Exim
- cPanel/WHM
- OSSEC
- Wazuh
- CrowdSec
Conclusion
The end of ConfigServer support is a challenge, but also an opportunity to modernize your server security stack. By migrating to supported alternatives, you’ll keep your infrastructure secure, compliant, and ready for the future. Stay connected with the sysadmin community for the latest updates and new open-source projects.