15 Tips to Secure Your Dedicated Server

Cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more dangerous. The problems for victims with a dedicated server who have security breaches are worse. And if you need to use a dedicated server, you should use these helpful tips to keep your system safe.

1. Always keep the software up to date


Cybercriminals are active in finding flaws in software and will target apps that have them. Organizations need to work actively to fix vulnerabilities with security patches.

Platform developers release updates and security patches to fix any vulnerabilities in their platforms. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to exploit any flaws in programming that they can find, so this is a crucial requirement for the safety of all users.

To avoid hacking or unwanted malware, make sure to update your operating system as soon as an update becomes available. Installing dedicated hosting and using auto-updates for all other apps is advised. Upgrading your operating system is vital for maintaining security. With auto-updates, the implementation of a managed dedicated hosting solution will ensure this is done on time.

If a hacker can access anything on your server, it means you are at risk. Have you updated to the latest version of legacy software or removed a plugin/theme from your site? If not, then you need to delete it and satisfy that risk.

To reduce your risk of being hacked, delete any old software you are no longer using. This reduces the chance of your software being old and not up-to-date with the latest patches to keep it safe.

2. Always scan for malware


Over a billion pieces of malware were discovered in the last day and half a million new ones are discovered every day. These include viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and worms that all can cause different types of damage to your devices.

To protect your server, make sure you regularly scan for malware and threats. You should be able to get a professional service through your provider.

To protect your company's data, service providers should provide regular malware scans. These should be able to detect and quarantine any threats before any damage is done.

3. Use Secure Sockets Layer Certificates (SSL)


Make sure your web administration zones and forms are encrypted with Secure Socket Layer in order to protect information passed between two systems using the internet. SSL can be used in server-client or server-server communication to keep access limited.

Websites with an SSL certificate protect the personal information that is being transmitted by scrambling the data in order to make it unreadable. If you see HTTPS in your URL, then the site is secure.

In addition to being encrypted, certificates are also used to authenticate users. This helps establish a user's authority. Administrators can configure servers to communicate with centralized authorities who issue certificates.

4. Defend DDoS attacks


In a distributed denial of service attack, the server is flooded with requests so that it isn't able to handle them all. As a result, the server will crash and all services will go offline

To avoid being cyber attacked is to hire a hosting provider that includes a DDoS shield. This defence traditional network events to ensure they don't make it through to your server and will identify suspicious bulk requests and stop them at the start.

5. Use a VPN for access


You can use a VPN to transmit data securely over the internet. A VPN encrypts your sensitive data and transmits it securely, preventing others from capturing your login credentials.

When you're connected to a VPN, your information is secure and un-hackable from outside the network. Make sure you use a VPN to protect your data from possible theft and hacking when it's going over the internet through public wi-fi networks.

6. Change the default SSH port


Hackers know that the SSH port is 22. A brute force attack would be done on the server if they are able to find the default listening port. To stop this, you need to change the default SSH port so that scanners can't detect it.

Read More: What’s Interesting About Internet Privacy?

7. Monitor login attempts


The best way to protect your server from automated brute force attacks is through an intrusion prevention system. These software tools automatically detect possible hacking methods by monitoring log-in attempts.

Intrusion prevention software monitors log files and prevents suspicious login attempts. If the number of attempts exceeds what's the norm, the IP address is blocked and is not able to access your computer for a set period of time or indefinitely.

8. Protect SQL injections


A SQL injection is a form of cyber attack that targets the server’s databases. This is where important data is stored, so if hackers can get access to the database then they may be able to steal personal information or business intelligence.

To minimise the risk, ensure privileges are restrictive and delete any unnecessary services that could easily be exploited.

9. Set up individual account privileges


The server admin has the right to physical access, but all other employees with root access should only be able to gain access through a virtual terminal. All other employees should have their own accounts with permissions assigned based on their role within the company.

10. Create strong passwords


Modern password-cracking software can take seconds to break weak passwords, giving criminals easy entry. Strong passwords pose a deterrent and add an extra layer of protection for your server.

It is much more difficult to break passwords with random numbers, letters, capitals and symbols. Password managers can help employees remember their passwords and not write them down.

Always make sure to have the user confirm the login from their mobile phone through two-factor authentication because there are more methods that can be used to breach a password.

11. File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS)


The only way to keep your data protected when transferring files is by using FTPS. FTPS encrypts your files, as well as your usernames and passwords.

FTPS is a two-way protocol that encrypts both files during transfer and on the server. However, it only encrypts the data once it reaches its destination. For this reason, it's important to make sure files are encrypted before sending them on to the server by using a programme like SSL for data security.

12. Take regular backups


In the event of a data breach, ransomware, or anything else that prevents your server from running properly, you need to have a backup. A backup can help you overcome whatever your server is experiencing and to re-establish it quickly.

With the latest updates, you can create a backup to be updated automatically and remotely. They encrypt and check for data integrity so you know it will work when you need it.

Many backup solutions can now take a snapshot of your computer, which is then backed up to the remote server. This allows you to set backups at any interval from daily to monthly. The backup solution inspects the integrity of the backup and will automatically request a new one if the old one was corrupted or lost.

13. Hide Server Information


Mystery surrounds the underlying system. Whether you're needing infrastructure support and maintenance or if you only need a clear, effective data transfer solution, we will work in the utmost confidence to ensure your company is cautiously monitored by our team of experts.

It is important to mask your version numbers when using the software. Hackers can typically figure out when you released the software, which helps them determine if security vulnerabilities exist in the current version.

To protect the security of your software and prevent hackers from finding it, make sure you delete version numbers. You just need to delete it in the HTTP header of the server’s greeting banner.

14. Service Auditing


If a system is being audited, it should be checked to see what services are running on the server and which ports those programs are speaking through. That way the attacker can configure attack surfaces in the machine.

15. File Auditing


When your system is in a good state, create a record of the system's characteristics and then compare it to an unhealthy state. By doing this, you can find inconsistencies and track their origin. File auditing is one way to do this.

Conclusion


If a company falls victim to a cyberattack or data breach, it has a 60% chance of going out of business in six months. Providing your organisation with secure servers could save its systems and keep them safe. Here are some protection tips to help you keep your servers secure.

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