If you own a business or work in technology, you know that secure servers are very important for the work you do. Hackers have become more and more sophisticated in the way they can get your information and attack your websites. This is why it’s more important than ever before to make sure you have the security you need in place. Setting up a Virtual Private Server (VPS) can be your savior when it comes to security. So whether you’re in the market to get your VPS cheap or if you’re willing to spend a little more money for extended features, the only thing that matters is making sure that hackers stay out and that your information stays secure.
This guide will explain why secure servers are important and how you can make sure the server you’re using has all the right features.
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What is a Secure Server?
A secure server can protect all the data you have on your website and make sure that your assets and data are not able to be stolen or compromised. Since servers almost always have sensitive information like payment data and information from clients, many people like to try to hack into them to see if they can get important information.
To ensure your server is as secure as possible, you need to make sure you are proactive and find any issues that might be in your network. You also need to ensure your software is protected and that there are not any ill applications that could allow hackers to steal your information.
How to Make Sure Your Server is Secure
Trying to secure your server can be difficult and overwhelming if you have never done it before. This is why most online businesses and tech users decide to hire a company to protect their servers although you can do it on your own if you are skilled and patient.
Secure All Connections
While you used to just be able to secure your website and accounts with a password, these are actually easy for hackers to figure out. Nowadays, most tech users use Secure Shell which means they have a pair of secure keys that users need to use to get into the server and any of the business accounts.
The secure shells also ensure that all data is encrypted and the hackers do not have access to any of the data that is exchanged on the server.
Use a VPN
VPNs secure all connections and give your computer a private IP address which makes it harder for hackers to know where you are located and what activities you are doing on the network. VPNs also encrypt data and ensure that you have all the same functions as if you were connected to a private local network.
Update Your Operating Systems
If you are running on old operating systems, it’s much easier for hackers to get into your server because old versions of the software often have weaknesses. As soon as your system releases an update, make sure to install it immediately. You can even set up your tech equipment to update automatically so you don’t have to worry about the vulnerabilities that come with old software.
Make Sure to Use All the Best Practices
If you want to make sure that your operating system and server are as secure as possible, make sure you do the following:
- If you install any third-party software, make sure to change the default passwords to something original and unique.
- Make sure everyone in the company only has access to the things they need and only give them the required user privileges and nothing extra.
- Delete all old accounts.
- Make sure all the passwords in your company have a certain standard and that they are not too weak.
- Make sure all applications that are not in use are either disabled or deleted.
Use SSL and TLS
Another main way to secure your server is by using Server Security certificates such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security). These tools are used to encrypt data and to make sure that all connections and networks are authenticated. When information has to be sent through the internet, it scrambles the information so that no one can easily find it.
It makes sure things like passwords, usernames, and payment details are very hard to access which keeps you safe while online as well as your customers that are visiting your website and making purchases.
Server Security Issues
If your server is not set up correctly, there can be many issues involved that make it easier for cybercriminals and hackers to get into your server. Most of the time, server security issues are because the person who set up the server made some mistakes.
Ensure none of these mistakes are made when setting up your server:
- Make sure passwords are strong. If you have a hard time managing all the different passwords, you can use a password manager app to keep them organized and safe.
- Update your software automatically. Tell the person setting up your equipment that you want the software to be updated without you needing to be prompted or remembering to do it.
- Make sure the physical security of your business is just as secure as the online security.
- Make sure all servers are properly configured with no holes in the privacy or management systems.
- Use patch management services so that you can be sure all new applications and changes are tested and installed properly.
- Remove all third-party software that is not being used
- Make sure there is antivirus software and firewalls
Final Thoughts
Tech users have many different things they have to think about when it comes to the equipment and software being used. One of the main things when it comes to security and privacy is that tech users need to make sure they are only working with secure servers.
Server security is extremely important because as hackers get more and more sophisticated, they have found tricks to be able to get into servers easier. When you take the proper precautions though, hackers will find it difficult to get into your server and steal any of your information.
This protects you and your business from being vulnerable which will protect the reputation of your business as well.
