How to Install WHM cPanel on AlmaLinux 9

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing WHM cPanel on AlmaLinux 9.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

1. A fresh installation of AlmaLinux 9.
2. Root access to the server.
3. A valid cPanel license (you can get a trial license from the cPanel website).
4. At least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended) and a minimum of 40 GB of disk space.

Step 1: Update Your Server

First, ensure that your server is up to date by running the following commands:

Step 2: Set the Hostname

WHM requires a valid fully qualified domain name (FQDN) as the hostname. Set your hostname using the following command:

Replace server.example.com with your actual domain name.

Step 3: Disable SELinux

WHM cPanel is not compatible with SELinux in enforcing mode. You need to disable SELinux by editing the configuration file:

Find the line SELINUX=enforcing and change it to:

Then, apply the change:

Step 4: Install Required Packages

WHM cPanel requires some additional packages. Install them with the following command:

Step 5: Download and Run the cPanel Installation Script

Switch to the /home directory and download the latest cPanel installation script:

Run the script using screen to ensure the process continues even if your SSH session disconnects:

The installation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your server’s specifications and internet speed.

Step 6: Complete the Setup in WHM

Once the installation is complete, you can access WHM to finish the setup. Open your web browser and navigate to:

Replace server.example.com with your actual server domain or IP address. You will see the WHM login screen. Use root as the username and your root password to log in.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup, including setting up your contact information and nameservers.

Step 7: Secure Your Server

After installing WHM cPanel, it’s crucial to secure your server. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Change the SSH Port: Edit the SSH configuration file to change the default SSH port from 22 to another number.
   sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config


   Find the line #Port 22 and change it to a port number of your choice, for example, Port 2222. Save and close the file, then restart the SSH service:

   sudo systemctl restart sshd

2. Install a Firewall: Use CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall), a popular choice for cPanel servers, to enhance your server’s security.
   cd /usr/src
wget https://download.configserver.com/csf.tgz
tar -xzf csf.tgz
cd csf
sh install.sh

3. Enable cPHulk: cPHulk is a cPanel brute force protection service. Enable it in WHM under the “Security Center”.

Conclusion

Installing WHM cPanel on AlmaLinux 9 is a straightforward process, providing a powerful and user-friendly interface for managing your web hosting environment. By following this guide, you can set up your server quickly and ensure it’s secured and ready for production. Enjoy the benefits of a robust, scalable hosting solution with WHM cPanel and AlmaLinux 9.