Set It and Forget It: Automating Updates on Your Linux VPS

 

🔧 How to Automate Updates and Patching on Linux VPS

 

Managing a Linux VPS server involves routine updates and security patching. But manually handling updates every week? That’s inefficient—and risky. With the right tools and automation strategies, you can ensure your system stays secure, stable, and up to date without lifting a finger.

In this blog, we'll show you how to automate updates and patching on a Linux VPS, whether you're using Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, or other distributions.

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🛡️ Why Automated Updates Matter

Keeping your server’s OS and packages updated is essential for:

• 🔐 Security – Patching vulnerabilities before they’re exploited

• ⚙️ Stability – Keeping software versions compatible

• ⏱️ Efficiency – Saving time and effort for sysadmins

Neglecting updates is one of the top reasons Linux servers get compromised. Automating this task helps you focus on growing your business—not fixing avoidable issues.

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🧰 Tools for Automating Updates on Linux VPS

Distribution	Tool/Service	Purpose
Ubuntu/Debian	unattended-upgrades	Automatically install security updates
CentOS/RHEL	dnf-automaticoryum-cron	Apply updates at scheduled times
Any distro	cron+ shell script	Fully custom automation setup
Any distro	Configuration Managers (Ansible, Puppet)	Enterprise-grade automation

 

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🐧 For Ubuntu & Debian: Usingunattended-upgrades

1. Install the package

bash

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sudo apt update sudo apt install unattended-upgrades

2. Enable automatic updates

bash

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sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

3. Edit the config (optional)

Edit/etc/apt/apt.conf.d/50unattended-upgradesto fine-tune:

bash

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Unattended-Upgrade::Allowed-Origins { "Ubuntu focal-security"; "Ubuntu focal-updates"; };

You can also enable automatic reboot if necessary:

bash

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Unattended-Upgrade::Automatic-Reboot "true";

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🐱 For CentOS & RHEL: Usingdnf-automaticoryum-cron

1. Install the tool

bash

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sudo dnf install dnf-automatic

2. Enable the service

bash

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sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer

3. Configure updates

Edit the config file:

bash

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sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.conf

Set:

ini

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apply_updates = yes download_updates = yes

For CentOS 7, useyum-croninstead ofdnf-automatic.

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📋 Advanced: Automate with Cron & Shell Scripts

If you want full control, a simple cron job can do the trick.

Example for weekly updates:

bash

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0 3 * * 0 root apt update && apt -y upgrade >> /var/log/apt-auto.log

Add this to your crontab using:

bash

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sudo crontab -e

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🔎 Diagram: Linux VPS Auto-Update Lifecycle

 

 

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🧠 Pro Tips for Safe Automation

• Enable email alerts for update reports

• Whitelist critical packages to avoid accidental breakage

• Test updates on a staging server before production

• Use snapshots/backups before automating major version upgrades

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🤖 Automate with VCCLHOSTING Linux VPS

At VCCLHOSTING, we provide Linux VPS servers pre-configured for automation. You can also:

• Set up scheduled updates from the dashboard

• Choose from OS templates with security patching enabled

• Access monitoring and alerts for patch failures

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✅ Final Thoughts

Automation doesn’t just save time—it reduces risk. Whether you’re managing one VPS or dozens, automating Linux updates is essential for performance and security.

By following the methods outlined above, you can keep your Linux server healthy, fast, and protected 24/7.

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🔗 Explore More

📌 Explore VCCLHOSTING Linux VPS Plans
📌 Need Help Automating Your Server? Contact Us