Introduction
These days, almost everything requires online services. There’s not much that you can’t do online, from carrying out research to engaging in entertainment and business. Whatever your reason for using the internet, one point is certain: a top-notch server is required for the ultimate user experience. Without a server, it is impossible to launch your website.
A server is a machine that controls your network-based access to data, software, resources, and services. The three types of web hosting that are most popular in demand are shared, virtual private, and secure dedicated servers.
According to the client’s needs, all those hosting services offer a variety of benefits. Although, when it comes to “What is servers’ security”, dedicated servers have gained the greatest popularity.
In this article, we’ve included all the information you need to increase the security of your dedicated server. We’ll also go over some extra advantages that dedicated server users can enjoy.
Importance of Dedicated Server Security
In the digital world, malicious people are increasingly depending on one valuable resource: data. Therefore, if your server security gets unprotected, you risk exposing your company (as well as the companies of your clients) to malicious activity, password intrusions, and DDoS attacks. Protecting sensitive information from hackers is always important, and this rule also applies to other kinds of servers.
Here are some reasons why dedicated server security has become so extremely important and the steps you can take to ensure it:
Keep Malware off Your Server
Malware is a particular kind of program used to steal information. The majority of the time, it gets concealed and distributed alongside trustworthy programs or scripts. When it is on your server, it will attempt to gather your data. Selecting a hosting company that provides ongoing vulnerability assessment and live server tracking is the perfect way to safeguard your server apps from malware.
Keeping Passwords Secure
One of the main ways that hackers gain access to dedicated servers is through the use of short, default passwords. They won’t have a chance to break in if you use passwords that are made up of a random assortment of characters, numbers, and symbols. It’s additionally a good idea to change them on a routine basis.
Keeping Your Server Safe from Vulnerabilities
The software that runs on your server is vulnerable to hacking, which allows them access. You should always install software that receives constant updates and make sure to update it with the most recent security patches, to prevent such hacking attacks using such security flaws.
DDoS Protection
Your server will get overloaded by spam and heavy traffic through the use of a denial of service attack. If you become a victim of this serious online threat, it could result in both financial and time losses. Select a dedicated server plan with the best security practices to prevent harm to your website because of a DDoS attack.
Also Read: Guide to Dedicated Server: Types and Use Cases for 2023
11 Tips to Make Your Dedicated Server More Secure
Here are our best recommendations for more secure dedicated servers.
Keep updated Security Patches
Any type of technology requires careful thought if you want to benefit from it to the fullest extent. As you may be aware, technology is not a permanent fixture; it is constantly changing because of various advancements. Make sure there aren’t any out-of-date editions of apps or software running on your dedicated server security when you use it. However, if there are, you should immediately update them with the most recent security patches or remove them entirely from your system. This will assist you in resolving any possible future issues and unexpected delays in the website’s performance.
Do Regular Malware Scan useradd -p
Different types of spyware, worms, trojans, and viruses can harm your platform and steal sensitive data. You should allocate some time to run regular malware scans to protect your dedicated server. Anti-virus software is an intelligent protective measure to take as it can identify and isolate malicious programs before it causes harm.
Additionally, use malware scanners. By checking your bare metal server for all kinds of malware, these automated tools will defend you against security threats.
Use DDoS Protection
A distributed denial of service attack gets utilized to bring down entire servers or websites. Your server receives an unexpected surge of traffic, which eventually causes it to give way and crash. It’s critical to prevent DDoS attacks because they render your website or web apps unreachable to users.
Selecting a dedicated server that is DDoS protected is the only way to defend against these attacks. All incoming traffic will get watched over by the built-in DDoS shield on these servers. Requests for connections get forwarded away from your server when suspicious traffic gets identified. Additionally, legitimate traffic gets permitted to proceed, ensuring that your users won’t encounter any interruptions.
Use Only Secure Connections
Public networks are not secure, and the security of your dedicated hosting is only as good as the network’s weakest link. Your login information could get made public if you use an open WiFi network at a hotel to log in. This is why you should instead connect to trusted networks. Your dedicated server’s security is vulnerable to attack if you log in from an unsecured public network that is unfamiliar to you. Instead of allowing employees to log in from anywhere, make sure you only easily access your server on a known and secure server to prevent a nightmare scenario.
Change SSH Port
The common SSH port is used by many services. The dedicated server security get compromised by hackers who are aware to target that particular port. The most exposed port is the SSH listening port. Hackers search for hosts that haven’t adjusted the SSH port by using scanning software since it’s set to 22 by default.
Start changing your SSH port right away to prevent attacks with brute force. Although it can get adjusted to any other port, it’s best to change it to one with a higher number than 1024. This will prevent bots and automated scanners from seeing your SSH port.
Separate Your user’s Accounts
The secure dedicated server’s root account should only be accessible to the system administrator. Other users of that server should each have a separate user account with restricted access.
For instance, it should restrict who can install software that might turn out to be malicious. Only the server administrator should get such privileges.
The administrator also has the option of having a personal account. In the incident that you forget to log out of the admin account, it is not recommended to always log in with root-level access.
Always Create a Tough Password
It is strongly recommended that you use a secure password for your system. For dedicated hosting management, avoid using the default password. For a few months, make an effort to keep updating or changing your password. Follow these recommendations to create a strong, secure password:
- Consistently mix uppercase and lowercase letters, and frequently add symbols.
- Avoid using dates or numbers that have a known connection to your identity.
- In predetermined intervals, try to update or change your password.
The majority of issues about online attacks are immediately cleared up when such guidelines are in place to create reliable password procedures. By doing this, you can stop hackers from accessing your data and jeopardizing your reputation as a business owner.
Keep Your Database Safe
You should put your database on the highest level of server security because it is a great resource for cybercriminals. We advise limiting user privilege, eliminating all unnecessary data, and making sure it is resistant to SQL injection.
You should try to prevent everyone from accessing your databases for maximum security. You can accomplish that by limiting user privileges as much as possible. Additionally, remove any unnecessary services and files because skillful hackers will discover a way to exploit them. Unused services and features can lead to exposure if they get left running.
Backup is Must
Even with all the safeguards you can put in place, accidents can still happen. Do regular data backups to ensure that your information is secure even in the worst-case scenario. This will give you a fallback option in case your dedicated server does experience issues.
You can never predict a disaster or harmful event that could result in the permanent loss of all your important information. Because of this, be sure to inquire about the recovery and backup services offered when you buy a plan from your service provider.
Uninstall Unused Software
A vulnerability exists in unused software. Since you won’t be opening it, it’s simple to forget about and won’t get servers’ security updates. This is the case for applications and services that you try out only once before letting them go. Unused software presents a vulnerability that hackers can use to access your dedicated server and confidential information. Getting rid of unused software is the only fix.
If you can, get a Managed Dedicated Server
Regardless of how effective your security measures are, if your service provider is questionable, all of the work could be for nothing. The services that the service provider is offering should be carefully examined and evaluated for past clients’ opinions. If you need to make any additional changes to your website, a reputable provider will give you advice.
Managed dedicated servers are run by a group of IT experts who will maintain the most recent versions of all your software and databases, regularly back up your data, and constantly watch for unusual activity. The hosting company will handle all matters about the security of your servers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dedicated Server Security
How to Secure a Dedicated Server easily?
Take the following precautions to maintain your dedicated server security:
- You can apply security patches and updates.
- You can run routine malware scans.
- You could use DDoS protection.
- You could only utilize secure networks.
- You have the option of changing your SSH port.
- For each user, you can create a separate account.
- You can regularly change your passwords.
- You have the option of safeguarding your databases.
- You can make a backup of your data.
- Remove any unnecessary software.
- You can obtain a managed dedicated server.
Is Dedicated Server Hosting more secure than other Web Hosting Services?
Naturally, it is.
It is one of the safest options for web hosting services, if not the only one. We recognize that you worry about the security of your website, particularly now that online attacks are on the rise. But when you use a dedicated server, you can benefit from powerful hardware and top-notch security made for businesses.
The majority of reputable service providers provide server firewalls to protect your website from such intrusions. Due to the great measures taken to protect it, all of your important data and sensitive customer information are secure.
How Easily can a Dedicated Server be Hacked?
Just about every server used for hosting is open to hacking attacks and other types of malicious attacks. To secure dedicated servers and prevent security breaches, you could always implement a variety of preventative measures.
What is server hardening?
By implementing several methods that are regarded as best practices in cybersecurity, server hardening improves server security. Reducing the chances that a hacker will get past the security of your dedicated server is the goal.
Conclusion
A dedicated server provides the most secure options for your website. In addition to purchasing a dedicated server, you also need to work with a service provider that is aware of your security requirements and gives you the freedom to increase security as you see fit.
If you’re looking for ways to secure your dedicated server, we’ve provided you with a few essential recommendations. Additionally, all of your safety concerns are easily cleared up when you use a reliable and dedicated hosting service. It provides some of the best tools and features that can boost the overall security of your system right away.
