CentOS Stream 10 with Cockpit and AI Security Assistant

This Azure-based virtual machine is pre-configured with CentOS Stream 10 and includes the Cockpit web console and an AI-powered Security Assistant backed by Anthropic Claude.

This image combines two capabilities in one. Cockpit gives you a clean browser-based interface to manage your server without needing SSH for every task. The AI Security Assistant analyzes your live system using Anthropic Claude and returns prioritized security findings, remediation commands, and compliance observations on demand.

Cockpit Web Console

Monitor CPU, memory, disk, and network in real time, manage services, review logs, manage user accounts, configure networking, manage Podman containers, apply software updates, and access a full terminal in the browser -- no SSH client required.

AI Security Assistant

Powered by Anthropic Claude, the Security Assistant analyzes your live system across six analysis types -- Full Security Audit, SSH Review, Audit Log Analysis, Services Review, Network Review, and User Account Review. Results include an Executive Summary, severity-rated Findings, numbered Recommendations, and compliance observations mapped to PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and NIST. The Ask AI tab answers plain-language questions with specific commands based on your actual system.

The Security Assistant uses your own Anthropic API key. Your key is stored only in your browser and never sent to Madarson IT.

Key Features

• Cockpit web console for browser-based server management
• AI Security Assistant powered by Anthropic Claude
• Six security analysis types with severity-rated findings
• Plain-language Ask AI with live system-aware responses
• Your own API key -- no vendor data retention
• Full browser terminal and Podman management included
• SELinux enforcing by default for additional access protection

Ideal For

• Administrators who want browser-based management without deep CLI expertise
• Organizations wanting AI-assisted security analysis without a SaaS platform
• SMBs running Linux workloads who need on-demand security guidance
• DevOps teams wanting a management console with built-in AI security feedback

Quick Start

1. Deploy the VM and SSH in using your SSH key
2. Set a Cockpit password: sudo passwd $(whoami)
3. Open port 9090 in your Network Security Group
4. Navigate to your instance IP on port 9090 in a browser
5. Log in and click Security Assistant in the left navigation
6. Enter your Anthropic API key in Settings and run an analysis

Disclaimer

CentOS is a trademark of Red Hat, Inc. Madarson IT does not provide commercial licenses for CentOS, Red Hat, or third-party software. Claude is a third-party AI service billed directly to your Anthropic account and subject to Anthropic's Terms of Service.