Ways to Add Security to Your Dedicated Server
Read this article to know how to improve the security of your website hosted on a dedicated server. Know all the what and whatnots related to your dedicated server hosting.
Opting for dedicated hosting is one of the smartest moves you can make, especially from a security standpoint. Still, there are some additional measures you should consider taking if you want to maximize security and reduce your risk of falling victim to an attack.Check for Security Updates
Don't wait until you're alerted of an available security update or patch; manually check for these updates yourself at least once or twice a week. Never delay installing an available patch or update, as this could leave your software (and thus your server) vulnerable in the meantime.Back Up Data Regularly
When was the last time you backed up your important files and data? If it's been more than a week or so, then you're due. Backing up your data is the best way to make sure that you don't lose access to it even if your server is compromised in an attack or data breach. It's also best to store these backups on a separate server – and, if possible, in a separate location all together – for added protection.
Ideally, you should have your files automatically set to back up at least once a week, but how frequently you should back up your data may vary depending on how often your files are changed or updated.Log in Using Trusted Networks
Make sure that when you're logging into your dedicated hosting account, you're doing so over a trusted, private, and secure network. Otherwise, you could be putting your information at risk. This means you should never log into your dedicated server account on a public Wi-Fi network, such as one you'd find at your local coffee shop. Be sure that anybody else who is authorized to log into your hosting account is aware of this very important precaution, too.
Better yet, take advantage of two-factor authentication options, if this is something offered by your hosting company. This will require that you log in with your password and another form of authentication (such as a code that is text messaged to you) in order to access your account.Opt for DDoS Protection
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are becoming increasingly common and problematic. They operate by flooding the server with fake web traffic in an effort to slow down the site or cause the server to crash altogether. And unfortunately, no server is 100% safe from these attacks.
While there is nothing you can do to completely avoid a DDoS attack, you can reduce the risk of your server being affected by making sure you have DDoS protection in place. This is an add-on offered through most hosting companies, and you can typically purchase protection based on the size of the attack you want to protect against.Choose a Strong Password
Be especially careful when creating a password to log into your dedicated hosting account. A strong password is one of your best lines of defense against attacks and data breaches. When creating a password, it's better to use a random combination of letters, numbers, and characters than it is to use any words that can be found in the dictionary. It's also important to make sure your passwords are changed regularly and aren't shared with any other accounts.Check Your Site Frequently for Malicious Activity
Make sure you're manually checking your site often to be on the lookout for any signs of malicious activity. Even if you have a lot of regular site users, you shouldn't rely on them to inform you of problematic activity. Ideally, you should be checking your site at least once a day and clicking through each page to look for any signs of trouble, such as unauthorized content or broken links.
Having a dedicated server means you can customize your security to a higher standard than it would likely be on a shared server or with another type of hosting. At the same time, going out of your way by following these simple tips is a great way to further beef up security on your dedicated server and keep your data as safe as possible.
