Server security is critical to server management for web hosting providers and server administrators. Online retailers and other organisations with a presence on the internet make use of secure servers to protect data from unauthorised interception. Here are some effective server security tips you can implement to safeguard your data.
Public Key Authentication for SSH
Do away with unencrypted access and opt for accepted standards namely https, SSH, SFTP. For more advanced levels of server security, do away with passwords on SSH altogether and use a pair of cryptographically secure SSH keys instead. These keys are used to authenticate clients to an SSH server. The client has the private key while the server has the public key. The SSH will first make sure the public and private keys match whenever a user tries to log in. With passwords disabled, this practice impedes attacks against weak passwords.
Strong passwords
While an effectively secure server is absolutely imperative, there are a surprising number of server administrators who use weak or easily-guessed passwords. Many a time, attacks against servers with weak SSH passwords can result in ransomware attacks. Avoid the hassle by using long phrases as passwords, random passwords with numbers and punctuation marks.
Firewalls
Firewalls are a kind of software (or in some cases hardware) that control what services are exposed to the network, meaning they block or restrict access to all ports except those that should be made available publicly. A secure firewall controls internet traffic coming into and flowing out of our business. This is a straightforward process, but one that many server administrators ignore. Installing firewalls are particularly important if you connect to public WiFi networks very often. Here’s what you can do if you face slow internet connectivity at home.
Antivirus and malware detection software
Both antivirus software and anti-malware software act as the last line of defence in your server security arsenal. Ideally, malicious individuals and viruses should not be able to enter your server, but if they do manage to make a breach, these tools will help you combat them. Don’t forget to check out our blog on 7 ways to keep your laptop virus-free to improve the security of your personal computer as well.
Update regularly
Your laptop or PC’s operating system sends periodic updates that not only enhance your user experience but also fix minor or major issues. However, these updates aren’t taken seriously. Many of us ignore these updates and as a result, leave our data susceptible to an attack. Old or out-of-date software is very likely to contain a couple of security glitches and vulnerabilities. Once discovered by hackers, data can be exploited or destroyed. Improve your server security by regularly updating your software. If this has happened to you, follow these steps to recover your data.
Backup regularly
Backing up your files, folders and other data may not strike you as a server security tip, but the foremost reason we secure a server is to ensure the data stored on it is entirely safe. Despite multiple efforts, there is still a chance that your server can be compromised. To combat this situation ensure all backed-up data is encrypted and backed up to an offsite location. Make sure you conduct regular testing of recovery for your backed-up data. This will help in the case of a sudden ransomware attack.
Monitor logs
Logs are an absolutely vital security tool to enhance your server security. Your server collects vast amounts of data daily including when, how and who had accessed the server, information flowing in and out of your business, etc. By monitoring the patterns in this data, you will be able to find minor security compromises or even traces of malicious behaviour. There are a number of tools that can help you analyse and summarise your data and generate reports periodically about what’s happening on your server. These reports can help upgrade your server security manifold.
Remember to follow these server security tips and pay extra attention to managing and protecting your databases. If you’re on the lookout for some quality laptops, head over to Dell Exclusive today.
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