VPS servers have a unique set of advantages, but security is a constant worrying factor. Although a VPS server is way more secured than many other hosting servers, there is no harm in strengthening it. Both Linux or Windows VPS servers are at times vulnerable to hackers. So if you have signed up for an unmanaged VPS server hosting plan, then you need to go through these security hacks to protect your VPS server.
Customer’s financial and personal data should not be taken lightly at any cost. It might lead to bigger cyber threats and a worse reputation. But many of the cheap VPS hosting in India, do not put much stress on it. Understanding the catastrophe that data losses and threats can result in, we have come up with some unique security steps for your unmanaged VPS server. Here are those measures-
1) Updating the default SSH login– SSH or Secure Shell is a connection that is a remote-to-remote system connection for logging in securely. But it is not a very trustworthy connection as there are chances of brute force attacks. This happens because users try to log into the SSH connection by trying multiple combinations in the password. So instead of using the default one, try strengthening your SSH login password with special characters, numbers, and symbols.
For changing the password for the SSH connection, login into your VPS server. After that locate the file extension of /etc/ssh/sshd_config. Then you need to switch the root login from the default setting of “YES” to “NO”. But if your website or applications handles more critical data, then SSH password authentication is not good enough. SSH key authentication is considered to be more secured than password authentication. Your server will become more resistant to brute force attacks. But for this, you need to avoid getting tricked into any cheap VPS hosting in India.
2) Avoid working on the old software version– If your software version is not updated then the VPS server becomes more prone to security threats. Updating software is just a few clicks affair so why delaying it anyway. The process of software up-gradation when automated will keep you free from all the hustle. If there is third-party software, then it becomes even more essential to update it regularly. People working on Windows OS undoubtedly feel safer, non-updates software. Also more the applications you download, the more are the chances of security getting hampered. So if you want to download plenty of applications, use a third-party software, etc. then make sure they are updated on time.
3) Enable OS-based and additional firewall– If you are using Windows OS for your VPS server then it already has an in-built Windows firewall. It is known to be better than many of those expensive firewalls and has many brand benefits. Apart from preventing hackers and malicious software, it also filters information randomly approaching through the internet. So not many changes are required in the settings once you have enabled the Windows firewall.
Your VPS server needs some advanced firewalls when it has to deal with critical operations. OS in-built firewalls are more than enough for small-mid scale operations. A third-party firewall becomes a desperate need to run operations based on financial information and processing. A dedicated third-party firewall will guard your website from all unnecessary traffic. Firewalls like ClearOS, IPFire, etc. work in a more organized manner than in-built firewalls for both Windows and Linux VPS servers.
4) Setting Admin account password as arduous as possible– Admin account’s password is mostly overlooked while setting up other security steps. But it is equally important for a VPS server to have a tough nut password for the Administrator account. To make the admin account password strong you can follow these steps-
– Make the password of a minimum of ten characters
– The password must contain capital and small letters, alphanumeric combinations, and special characters
– Never use the previously set password ever again
– Don’t make variations of the same password
So be responsible and creative with your password and eliminate the chances of your server getting hacked. But if you also face problems in remembering long and complex passwords, use password safes like Keypass. Don’t save the password on your monitor’s screen or sticky note as it is very easily accessible.
5 ) Installing anti-virus should be a must– Irrespective of the OS of your VPS server, it needs an anti-virus to escalate the security. An additional anti-virus installed will protect your server throughout. There are innumerable threats like malware, viruses, spyware, etc. while working over the internet. Your business might also require constant downloading of files. An anti-virus will provide real-time protection from all the threats that can creep into your server’s environment. An anti-virus will create a protective film that will be constantly and instantly informing you of any incoming virus or malicious activity running in the background. Whilst monitoring your system, it will be quarantining the unwanted and suspicious files. Some of the most renowned anti-viruses for your server are Comodo AEP, Symantec Endpoint, Kaspersky Endpoint Security, etc.
Once you are going online, you are putting yourself out into many security threats. Leaving your server unprotected and unlocked can be disastrous and need to be dealt with at priority. Being extra careful and strict with intruders is much needed in complementary with the security steps mentioned in the article. Once you are done and dusted with all the necessary security steps, you can feel free to work on any software or project.
But we want to hear from you if you are up to any unique ways of protecting the VPS server. Till then work safely and in a secured manner.
