Nearly everyone with an online presence needs to pay attention to web hosting security. It no longer applies to the big businesses alone because cyber threats can happen to anyone. When your web hosting isn’t secure, you are open to hackers breaking in and stealing valuable private information. This can be your personal and financial information or that of your customers. It is critical to make sure that you protect your website.
Make Sure That You Use the Latest Software Versions
When software updates are available, it is critical to make sure that you update your VPS server. Older versions are always more vulnerable, and updating software is always important to having the best security. You can automate your updates with a Linux-based utility called cron jobs, which will help to ensure that you are always running the latest version of your software.
Set up and Use a Firewall
Firewalls are very important for preventing external access to your VPS server. You are able to limit the type of traffic, IP addresses, and ports that are permitted to communicate with your server. The firewall will analyze all of the incoming and outgoing traffic to ensure that no malware is getting through. It is important to have your firewall set up on your VPS server.
Protect Your VPS Server From Malware
You can use solid anti-malware software on your VPS server to protect your server from malware. Hackers try to steal sensitive data and use it to make money, steal identities, or demand a ransom. Malware copies your databases and allows hackers to access them. When you use anti-malware software to protect your server, it will scan your VPS and protect it from these cyber criminals.
Your Databases Need to Be Up-to-Date
It is very important to keep your databases up to date. If you have a lot of sensitive information in your databases, it is important to minimize the privileges that database users have. You can also delete unwanted or unnecessary information and prevent your customers from interacting with the database. If you stay on top of who has access to your database and what is stored in it, you will have more control over it.
Make Sure You Use SSL Certificates
SSL certificates encrypt the information between the server and clients to protect your privacy. They are important because they protect files you transmit, emails, and login information. Make sure that you have them for your VPS server.
Monitor Your VPS Server Logs
You can track the activity on your VPS server and your software, and it will help you to stay on top of what is happening. You should monitor the following:
- User activity
- Resource usage
- Traffic levels
- Events
- Software errors
This will help you to prevent problems and to resolve them more quickly if they occur.
Pay Attention to Passwords
When you have weak passwords, hackers can wage brute-force attacks to gain access to your VPS server. First, you need to make sure that you create strong passwords by following these guidelines:
- Use random combinations of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Never use words that can be linked to you, your family, or your company
- Change your passwords regularly
- Use 2FA authentication
In addition to implementing sound password policies, you can use tools to help you detect potential brute force attacks and block unauthorized logins.
Perform Regular Backups of Your VPS Server
You should perform regular, automatic backups of your server outside the server in case there is a problem. When hackers use Ransomware to hold your files hostage, you will be in a better position if you still have copies of all of your files backed up. In addition, you will have uninfected versions of your files if any problems occur. You need to perform backups regularly, and ideally, they will be automatic.
Final Words
When you use a VPS server, security needs to be at the top of your list of priorities. You need good policies in place so that nobody on your server opens email attachments from unknown senders and other safety protocols, and you also need to make sure that you take appropriate steps to safeguard your files.
Cyber Security Researcher. Information security specialist, currently working as risk infrastructure specialist & investigator. He is a cyber-security researcher with over 25 years of experience. He has served with the Intelligence Agency as a Senior Intelligence Officer. He has also worked with Google and Citrix in development of cyber security solutions. He has aided the government and many federal agencies in thwarting many cyber crimes. He has been writing for us in his free time since last 5 years.
