Customers are the key source of revenue for any firm. So to increase your customer base, you need to earn their trust first. But how do customers completely trust you?

You can earn the trust of your customers by protecting and safeguarding their data.  All the data they provide on your website should be protected first. In this article, we will examine the best security practices for your dedicated server.

10 Amazing Ways to Protect your Dedicated Server

Before entering the tips, let us have a quick overview of dedicated servers. A dedicated server is a physical server in which all resources, including CPU, RAM, and storage, are allocated to a certain business or individual. A dedicated server gives you complete control over security parameters, such as firewall settings, access controls, and security software installations.

Even though they are more secure than shared servers, they still need to be protected from malware, ransomware attacks, and viruses. Also, securing your dedicated server is more critical than ever. Let us dive to the 10 pro tips to protect your dedicated server.

1. Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

One of the fundamental practices for maintaining server security is to keep your software up-to-date. This includes the operating system, server applications, control panels, and any installed software. Regular updates and patches help fix vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploits. Most server hosting providers offer regular software updates.

Try to subscribe to security mailing lists relevant to your server software to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and patches. Make sure you are constantly using the most recent version of your operating system and programs.

2. Strong Authentication Mechanisms

Strengthening authentication mechanisms can significantly enhance your server’s security. Use SSH keys instead of passwords for remote access. SSH keys provide a more secure authentication method and are harder to crack than traditional passwords.

However, hackers frequently target these SSH ports for unauthorised access. Enforce strong passwords and implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all user accounts. Also, ensure passwords are complex, unique, and changed regularly.

3. Firewall Configuration

A properly configured firewall acts as a barrier between your server and potential attackers. The firewalls implement safety precautions for network traffic that arrives and departs. So, implement a firewall to control incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Use tools like iptables (for Linux) or Windows Firewall to manage your firewall settings. Make sure you regularly review and update firewall rules to ensure they meet your current security needs.

4. Regular Backups

Regular backups are crucial for data recovery in case of a security breach or hardware failure. The majority of hosting services allow users to configure and schedule automated data backups based on their needs. So schedule regular backups of your server’s data, including configurations and databases.

You should back up your server data on a weekly basis, or at least three times a month. Store those backups in a secure, off-site location or use a cloud backup service with strong encryption. Test your backups periodically to ensure they can be restored successfully.

5. Monitor and Audit Logs

Server logs give a record of server activity, and they enable system administrators to detect and monitor questionable access attempts. Regularly monitoring this log and auditing it, can help you detect and respond to security incidents promptly.

Centralize log management using tools like ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) for easier analysis and monitoring. Try to set up alerts for unusual activities or anomalies detected in the logs.

6. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

Deploying an IDPS helps monitor and protect your server from malicious activities. IDS can be automated for routine scans, done manually, or designed to monitor daily operations to improve server security.

Install and configure an IDPS to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. You can use tools like Fail2Ban to block IP addresses that exhibit suspicious behaviour, such as repeated failed login attempts. Don’t forget to regularly review IDPS logs to identify and address potential security incidents.

7. Advanced Malware Protection

Malware refers to any harmful program that can cause data breaches, website defacement, or even a total server takeover. To protect your site from this malware, install anti-malware and anti-virus software with real-time protection and regular updates.

Perform regular scans to detect and remove malicious software that might have bypassed initial defences. A secure web hosting service should provide automatic malware scans on a regular basis, as well as tools and resources for manual scanning if needed.

8. Application Whitelisting

Application whitelisting is a security practice that involves creating a list of approved applications and processes that are allowed to run on a server or endpoint. Restrict execution to only approved applications and processes. This minimizes the risk of malicious software running on your server.

Regularly update the whitelist to ensure only necessary and secure applications are permitted. This vigilant security strategy is especially effective in preventing unwanted access and protecting your system from potential threats.

9. Utilize VPNs and Private Networks

Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to secure remote connections to your server and ensure data is encrypted during transmission. Implementing VPNs is a critical step in securing remote connections to your dedicated server. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the server, to make sure that all data transmitted is protected from eavesdropping and interception.

Set up private networks to isolate critical systems and restrict access to authorised users only.

10. Custom Security Measures

Develop and implement custom security measures for your specific server environment and business needs. This might include custom scripts, specific configuration settings, or unique monitoring solutions that address your particular security concerns.

By utilising VPNs, setting up private networks, and implementing custom security measures, you can significantly enhance the security of your dedicated server. These steps help in creating a robust and resilient security posture, tailored specifically to your organisational needs and environment. Regularly review and update these measures to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure ongoing protection.

Final Thoughts

Implementing these best security practices will significantly enhance the security of your dedicated server, which in turn will protect it from a wide range of threats. Regularly review and update your security measures to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure your server remains secure. By prioritising server security, you can safeguard your data, maintain service availability, and protect your reputation.