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Dedicated server security has never been more important than it is now due to the rise in cyberattacks over the past several years. Your primary concern should be to secure the dedicated servers on which you host your website or online applications. Data loss, security lapses, and service outages are all risks associated with unprotected dedicated servers.
The good thing is that there are multiple approaches to protecting your dedicated server hosting. Here are 9 security steps you can implement right away to shield your dedicated server from various threats.
- Only access networks that are secure
Use only secure connections to log into your hosting account while connecting to your dedicated server.
Public networks are unsafe, and the security of your dedicated hosting account depends on how strong the network’s strongest link is.
Your login information could be made public if you utilize an open Wi-Fi network, such as accessing public Wi-Fi available at a café. Hence, you should only use trusted and reputable networks.
- Create individual accounts for each user
The root access of a dedicated server should only be accessed by the system administrator. Every other person should have a separate account on the server with limited privileges.
For instance, it shouldn’t be possible for anyone to install software that may turn out to be malicious. Only the server administrator should have access to these permissions. Other users may have restricted access, which would only permit them to carry out their jobs.
The administrator should also have a personal account. It is not recommended to always log in with root access, just in case one forgets to log out of the admin account.
- Adhere to a strict password policy
Your dedicated server is more susceptible to vulnerabilities if you use a weak password. You ought to use uppercase and lowercase characters, random numbers, and symbols to construct a strong password.
Avoid using personal or words that are simple to guess as your password.
The same holds true for each and every additional user account you create. Each person needs to have their own strong password. Additionally, all passwords should be frequently changed.
This virtually eliminates the possibility of a cybercriminal brute-forcing your password or breaking into your account. Consider enhancing your accounts with two-factor authentication in addition to this security step. Your dedicated server will be protected from unauthorized access in this manner.
- Frequent Security Updates and Patches
Never rely on apps or programs that are out of date. One of the most common weaknesses that hackers take advantage of is outdated software. The majority of app developers regularly deploy security updates that address any flaws in the safety of their programs.
If you don’t download some of these fixes, someone might exploit a weakness that is left unpatched. It can be harmful to even slightly postpone updating to the most recent security patch. Hence, you should regularly check for software upgrades.
If you feel that often installing updates and patches is too much work or time-consuming, you should think about choosing full server management. Host.co.in offers a fully managed dedicated server hosting service that is designed to be customizable as per your needs, with 24×7 available support.
- Perform Routine Malware Scans
There are different viruses, worms, and spyware programs that can harm your system and steal private data. You should perform routine malware scans in order to secure your dedicated server. Antivirus software may identify and set aside harmful software before it causes harm. Additionally, use malware scanners. These automated scanners will safeguard you from security dangers.
- DDoS Protection
Websites or even entire servers can be brought down using a distributed denial of service assault. Your server receives an unexpected influx of traffic, causing it to eventually give way and crash. They frequently have the purpose of causing the targeted business to suffer financial loss. It’s critical to avoid such attacks since they render your website inaccessible to users.
Choosing a DDoS-protected dedicated server is the only option to defend against these attacks. These servers include built-in DDoS protection that will keep an eye on all incoming traffic. Connection requests are redirected away from your server when malicious traffic found. Additionally, authentic traffic allowed to proceed, ensuring that your users won’t encounter any interruptions.
- Switch the SSH port
A standard SSH port used by many services. In order to compromise the security of your dedicated server, hackers are aware that they have to target that particular port. The most exposed port is the SSH listening port. Hackers employ scanning tools to hunt for hosts that haven’t changed the SSH port because it’s set to 22 by default.
To avoid any breach, switch your SSH port right away. It recommended that you change it to one with a greater value than 1024. Port scanners typically work within predefined ranges and rarely scan above 1024. By doing this, you can prevent automated scanners and bots from seeing your SSH port.
- Delete any unused software
Softwares that not used are a weakness. It’s simple to overlook, and if you don’t open it, it won’t get security upgrades. This is especially true for applications and services that you use just once before forgetting about it. Unused software might be exploited by hackers to gain access to your dedicated server and steal private data. Simply removing unnecessary software is the answer.
- Regular Backups
Your data may be destroyed by a cybercriminal attack, with potentially disastrous results. This can be avoided by backing up your data to rapidly restore your server without having to start from scratch.
You can set up automated, scheduled backups at the frequency you require with the most recent backup solutions. The backups are thereafter stored remotely, secured by encryption, and verified for integrity to ensure that they are not corrupted and will function properly if needed.
Wrapping up
Dedicated server security is a crucial part of web hosting. You can rest assured that the methods listed above will protect your dedicated server and, in the long run, save you a ton of time and money. Additionally, you can choose a managed dedicated server to protect your server if you lack the time or knowledge to do so.
Host.co.in offers a built-in, secure managed dedicated server hosting solution. You no longer have to worry about managing or securing your server; we take care of that for you.
For more information, visit our managed dedicated servers page.