Be it any organization, big or small, servers play an important role. Their main job is to offer data as well as computational services. Due to their critical role, servers are known for holding private organizational data and information at the same time.
When you have an insecure server, it is susceptible to a number of security threats and data breaches. Security vulnerabilities can be harmful and lead to the loss of necessary data or loss of control that further threatens the entire organization.
In case, you fail to secure your servers then you are definitely on the dangerous path. To ensure your organization is able to properly protect itself against web server vulnerabilities, it is important to stay updated with common web server vulnerabilities, web browser vulnerabilities and also stay familiar with the web application security problems and solutions.
Here are some server security tips that can help in securing your server efficiently:
Always upgrade the software and operating system
When it comes to server security, staying updated on all software and operating system-linked security fixes is vital. Server systems and software technologies are intricate that some of the security vulnerabilities they carry sometimes even go unnoticed.
Due to this, security vulnerabilities are often present in old and newly updated software versions. Hackers always try to develop new and inventive methods to attain unauthorized entries in a system.
But cybersecurity experts are working continuously to assure their software and operating systems are secured completely. Once a loophole is discovered in security, they start looking for ways to fix the loophole effectively and immediately.
Use SSH keys authentication
Instead of using a password, you can verify an SSH server by making use of a pair of SSH keys which is a much better alternative to old logins. The SSH keys often carry other bits than a password and are not able to be cracked by contemporary computers generally.
The key pair comes with a public key as well as a private key. You need to know that a public key comes along with several copies, one of which is present on the server, while others are distributed to users.
On the other hand, the private key is not shared with anyone and should be kept secured strictly. At the time of establishing a connection, the server will ask for confirmation that the user has the private key, before permitting confidential access.
Run vulnerability scans regularly
It is always recommended to have a monthly scanning and remediation so that high and medium severity vulnerabilities can be fixed easily. This routine can help you to keep the remediation activities handy.
Keep one thing in your mind, with the dynamic cyber threat landscape, a year is very long to go without understanding what actually is going on in your network.
Safeguard file transfer protocol
Do you want to transfer files to and from a server without the threat of hackers compromising or stealing data? If yes, then it is crucial to make use of file transfer protocol secure (FTPs). This further helps in encrypting data files along with your confirmation information.
FTPs make use of a command channel and data channel, giving users the chance to encrypt both. Remember the files will be protected only at the time of transfer.
The moment files reach the server, the data is not encrypted. Due to this reason, encrypting the files before sending them helps in putting an additional layer of security.
Login attempts should be monitored
When it comes to the best way to safeguard your server against instinctive force attacks, utilizing intrusion prevention software to monitor login is a one-stop solution. Such automated attacks utilize a trial-and-error means, trying every possible combination of letters and numbers so that access to the system can be attained.
In case, there are suspicious login attempts, intrusion prevention software manages all files and detects them as well. When the number of attempts is more than the set norm, intrusion software obstructs the IP address for some time or even forever.
Make use of firewall protection
If you want your servers to be safe then firewalls are important. They filter incoming as well as outgoing traffic to permit only precise services and lock out all the unsafe ones.
Remember there are different classifications of firewalls. Depending upon the group that fits the situation, you can restrict access to the services. You need to configure your server to deny all access except the ones that are needed for your servers.
Therefore, when you set up your server for the very first time, it is vital to consider the above-stated tips so that the chance of server vulnerability can be minimized.