Web Hosting

7 Tips to Secure Your Dedicated Server From Online Threats

From the moment a website goes online, it is exposed to a world of hackers, viruses, malware, and various kinds of security threats. As a site owner, you try to take all possible measures to ensure that these threats don’t infect your site. These include installing the latest antivirus and antimalware and using a secure web hosting service for your site. However, considering the damage to business and reputation that a single instance of being hacked can cause, every hosting type needs a rigorous security policy. While Dedicated Servers are usually considered to be the most secure hosting option for websites, there are some areas that need your attention to make the server more secure from online threats. Today, we will share seven tips to help you secure Dedicated Servers from such threats.

Tip 1. Have a strong password policy

Most web hosting providers set default passwords while assigning a Dedicated Server to you. They expect you to change the password as soon as you receive it for the security of the server. However, many site owners tend to continue with the default passwords making their server vulnerable to being hacked.

Ensure that when you get started, you don’t use the default passwords and create a strong password policy. Typically, a password should be between 8-20 characters long, have a combination of random lower and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers, and have no relevance to the user’s personal life. Also, never use the same password for more than 90 days.

Tip 2. Use a Firewall

A firewall is a server’s first line of defense against any online attack. It filters the information coming and going out of the server. Installing a firewall ensures that most malicious requests are stopped before they reach your server keeping it secure.

Tip 3. Scan your server regularly for vulnerabilities

When you buy a Dedicated Server Hosting plan, ensure that you look for a provider who conducts regular scans for finding security vulnerabilities. You also need to keep an eye on any unexpected behavior displayed by your server. Prevention is better than cure, and being proactive can safeguard you against a possible cyber-attack.

Tip 4. Fortify your database

Site data is usually the gold that online thieves are after. Hence, your database becomes the repository where all the gold is stored, making it vulnerable to attacks. SQL injection is one way in which hackers try to gain access to your database. Take a look at your database policies and ensure that you don’t offer unnecessary privileges to the database users. Ensure that you keep it free of any unwanted data and minimize the interaction between your clients and the database.

Tip 5. Use updated software

Updates can be time-consuming and are often deemed unnecessary by most site owners. Hence, they put off updates for later prioritizing other tasks over them. It is important to remember that most software updates include a security patch that can make your server more secure. Hence, regularly scan for any available updates and run them without delay.

Tip 6. Change the SSH default Listen port

Most Dedicated Server owners use SSH (Secure Socket Shell) to protect remote connections. The default SSH Listen port is 22 and hackers are aware of it too. By changing the port, you can ensure that you add an additional layer of security.

Tip 7. Regular Backups

A backup is the most critical security measure for your Dedicated Server. Despite all the precautions, if your server gets attacked, you can ensure uninterrupted services if you have the latest running copy of your site backed up somewhere. Ensure that you have a comprehensive backup strategy in place. Implement an automated backup solution, and supplement it with a manual backup. Backup is the perfect security insurance in case all other security measures fail.

Summing Up

Remember, there is no excuse for having a website that is not secure enough. Your customers expect security to be your first priority, especially if you are collecting sensitive information on your website. Even if you are running a basic blog, nobody likes a site with security issues. Ensure that you follow the tips mentioned above and keep all online threats at bay. Stay Safe!