Server management demands security for web hosting and server administrators. Here, we look at ten techniques which will help in monitoring the servers and prevent any vulnerabilities.
Public Key Authentication for SSH
Remove encrypted access. SSH, SFTP and https are accepted over FTP or HTTP to manage servers. For better security, the password authentication should be taken of SSH server altogether, and SSH keys should be implemented. Each user will have a public key and a private key which will be kept by the user. The public key is kept on the server, which should match the private key to enable access.
Strong Passwords
Keeping a strong password is your first step to prevent anyone from accessing your data. If the password is weak and easy to guess, it is an open door for the criminal to enter into your administration. Using long and random passwords is mandatory.
Install CSF
The Config Server Firewall is a free firewall which comes with a lot of features and protects the server against a wide range of attacks. The features include stateful packet inspection, authentication failure rate-limiting, flood protection, directory watching, etc.
Install Fail2Ban
Fail2Ban inspects the server’s logs in search of patterns that indicate malicious connections, and too many failed authentication attempts or too many connections from the same IP and blocks such IPs while also notifying the administrator.
Install Malware Scanning Software
In any case, if someone manages to breach your server security and install malware to hack your system, a malware scanning software like ClamAV will help find the malware and will ask your permission to remove it.
What About PBN Hosting?
Well, PBN Hosting can be something very different. This decision can’t be made lightly, and you need to make sure you are choosing a host that knows how to structure their servers and IPs. PBN hosting is very complex and if you create any footprints or issues it could impact the whole network.
If you use the correct methods and hardware then PBN hosting can certainly be a breeze, but it’s important to make sure you get it right from the get go. Building a strong foundation for this is very important and shouldn’t be rushed.
Keep Software Up-To-Date
Out-Of-Date software is more likely to be attacked by viruses and malware, which are known to hackers. You should always have an updated system to be ahead of hackers as they will soon find a hack to the latest update and your software provider will have to update the software to prevent it from hacking.
Back up regularly
Backing up data might not seem like a security measure, but in case if wiping of data from your server, there should be a backup to restore important data. It is impossible to guarantee an unbreakable server so data should be encrypted and backed-up to an offsite location.
Monitor Logs
Logs are vital tools in the security system. A server collects enormous information about what it does and who connects to it. This information is stored in logs, and any malicious activity can be tracked down. Hourly reports can help in keeping the data safe.
Turn off unnecessary services
Any software which is not essential for the server should be disabled. The fewer points of contact between the server’s internal environment and the external world will reduce the chances of attacks. Windows, CentOS and Ubuntu include tools for managing running services.
Install ModSecurity
It is a web application firewall which works on a higher level than CSF firewall and is designed to deal with threats against the application layer. It stops many types of attacks against web applications on systems like WordPress and eCommerce websites.
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