When you choose a Dedicated Server as your web hosting service, you expect maximum security since there are no other users sharing the server with you. A Dedicated Hosting Server is designed for sites that seek security and performance over other aspects. While being a single user helps, it is not enough to keep the server and the site secure. Even if you opt for the best Dedicated Server Hosting plan, you will have to make some changes to optimize its security.
In this article, we will share some server security hacks to help you safeguard your Dedicated Server.
Before you proceed, check out the following video that highlights the security aspects of a Dedicated Server:
Security hacks for your Dedicated Server
Dedicated Servers offer optimum security and privacy to websites. Being a single-user server with complete root access and control, the site owner can make changes to the server to make it more secure. While you can opt for a Windows or Linux Dedicated Server or look for SSD-based Dedicated Server Hosting plans, ensuring the security of your server lies in your hands. Here are some security hacks to help you safeguard your Dedicated Server:
1. SSH Port
The default Secure Shell or SSH listen port is 22 on most Dedicated Servers. Most hackers are aware of it and use this port to initiate brute-force attacks for gaining unauthorized access to the server by using a combination of usernames and passwords. Hence, ensure that you change the SSH port number to anything other than 22.
2. Transport Layer Security (TLS)
If you are using any other device to interface with your Dedicated Server, then hackers might be able to gain access to your login credentials and attack your server. Hence, it is important to encrypt this communication. This can be achieved effectively by using a TLS interface. While most servers offer this interface, it is usually not selected by default. Ensure that all such communication is encrypted t boost your server’s security.
3. Firewall
One of the most basic security measures that you need to take is installing a firewall on your Dedicated Server. This is the server’s primary defense against viruses, malware, and harmful code. A firewall monitors the requests coming into the server and keeps any potentially harmful ones at bay.
4. Passwords
When you buy Dedicated Server Hosting, the provider offers passwords for the administrative account, i.e. the root access. This account allows you to make any changes to the server. Usually, these are default passwords that are common across all web servers. Hence, you must ensure that you change them so that a hacker can’t gain easy access to your server. Also, when you choose a new password, ensure that it is complex and not correlated to your personal information like date of birth, spouse’s name, mother’s maiden name, etc.
5. Updates
While we all know that updates are good for the OS and applications, most of us don’t prioritize them over other tasks. Site owners have a long list of tasks to manage daily. Hence, running updates tends to rank low on their list of priorities. However, these updates usually include security-related patches that make your server more secure. Hence, it is important to ensure that all OS and software updates are run regularly.
Summing Up
When you purchase a Dedicated Server Hosting plan, it is important to remember that the root access and single-user environment allows you to create a secure server for your site. However, it is important to take care of all security aspects to keep online threats away. Remember, a site that has frequent security lapses loses customers and SEO score. Therefore, follow the tips mentioned above and take all precautions to keep your Dedicated Server safe. Good Luck!
