10 VPS Security Tips to Protect Your Server

Virtual private servers (VPS) are extremely popular among business owners because they provide solutions that fall somewhere in the midst of shared servers and dedicated servers. When you use shared servers, you may take advantage of the cost and user-friendliness of dedicated servers, while also enjoying the customization and speed of dedicated servers. But just like any other server, you will need to invest some time in securing it.

For the purpose of avoiding cyber-attacks, it is essential to have knowledge about how to safeguard your virtual private server. On the other hand, this is not a one-time operation; in addition to implementing the most effective security methods, you are required to regularly monitor your virtual private server (VPS). In the following paragraphs, we will go deeper into the security of the VPS. There will also be a discussion on ten VPS security tips that can help you protect your virtual server from cyber threats.

VPS security: What is it?

A variety of precautions, including firewalls, antivirus software, safe passwords, access control, regular updates, and backups, are included in the security measures for virtual private servers (VPS). These safeguards are intended to secure your virtual private server (VPS) against unauthorized access and cyber threats, thereby guaranteeing the integrity and safety of the data and applications that are hosted on your server.

Best 10 VPS security tips for protecting servers-

1. Put DDoS Protection into Practice

Distributed denial of service assaults (DDoS) is expected to continue their upward trend. By utilizing powerful DDoS security solutions, you can defend your virtual private server (VPS) against DDoS attacks that are both disruptive and damaging, thereby guaranteeing that your services are always available.

2. Implement a malware scanner

Ensure the safety of your virtual private server (VPS) by doing frequent scans for malicious software. Your server is scanned by a malware scanner to look for malicious software such as viruses, trojans, and rootkits. If any threats are found, the malware scanner automatically removes them or places them in quarantine. It is of the utmost importance to have your malware scanner routinely updated so that it can identify the most recent threats.

Additionally, it is essential to do routine scans in order to promptly identify and resolve any vulnerabilities or infections that may have occurred. Servers gain multi-layer, complete monitoring and scanning security with Imunify360. It detects and blocks most web attacks on hosting servers, CMS websites like WordPress or Joomla, and web-based apps. Server managers can automatically prevent brute-force assaults, malware uploads, malicious code injection, and other attacks that could harm customer sites and the server with Imunify360.

cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin are prominent site owner control panels, and Imunify360 interacts with them. It helps site owners and server administrators detect malicious behavior and threats. Imunify360 automatically removes code injection, saving server administrators time-fighting malware.

3. Install SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are yet another method of utilizing encryption to ensure the safety of your virtual private server (VPS). SSL certificates are used to encrypt the data that is sent from the browsers of users to your server. Consequently, critical information such as login credentials, credit card details, and personal data are safeguarded within this system.

Additionally, SSL encryption protects against man-in-the-middle attacks, which are attempted by cybercriminals to steal or monitor data while it is being transmitted. However, when you use SSL, your data will stay unreadable.

4. Employ a VPN

One further essential component of protecting your virtual private server (VPS) is to make use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A virtual private network (VPN) establishes a safe and encrypted connection between your device and the virtual private server (VPS), so shielding your data and communications from the possibility of being intercepted or eavesdropped upon. Using a virtual private network (VPN) provides an additional degree of privacy and protection when connecting to your virtual private server (VPS) from public Wi-Fi hotspots or unverified networks.

5. Monitor and audit your VPN regularly

In order to identify potential security issues and take appropriate action, it is essential to perform regular monitoring and auditing of your virtual private server (VPS). Ensure that your virtual private server (VPS) is in compliance with security best practices and standards by doing security audits and reviewing logs on a regular basis to identify any suspicious actions.

6. Update and patch your virtual private server regularly

You should already be aware that updates patch security holes that could be exploited by thieves in order to get access. Fixing issues and improving performance are two other benefits of upgrades. This ensures that your server continues to function in a smooth and efficient manner, hence lowering the likelihood that attackers may experience any operational troubles.

Ensure that you perform backups on your virtual private server on a regular basis. You are able to use the most recent backup to restore everything and get back on your feet as quickly as possible in the event that you experience a cyberattack or the loss of data.

7. Utilize SSH Security

Make the move to SSH keys instead of passwords to secure yourself from sniffing attacks and eliminate the need for passwords. When compared to passwords, which are susceptible to phishing and brute-force attacks, SSH keys offer a significantly more secure authentication technique due to their lengthier and more complicated encryption. It is necessary to generate a pair of public and private keys, with the public key being stored on the server and the private key being kept on your own machine.

At the time of your login, the server will encrypt a random string using your public key. This will ensure that only your private key will be able to decrypt the string. Instead of using root or admin users, you should have specific usernames. This is because root and admin users are often the first accounts to be exploited, so these users should be avoided wherever possible.

8. Employ a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP)

When you need to transmit files to and from your virtual private server (VPS), you should use a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) rather than normal FTP. SFTP allows for the transmission of data in an encrypted format, which protects the confidentiality and authenticity of your files.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in its old form would send login credentials in plain text, which would be susceptible to being intercepted and read by hackers. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) eliminates this risk by encrypting credentials, which hackers are unable to read even if they are successful in intercepting.

9. Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is a policy that compels users to provide an additional form of identification in addition to their password. To add an additional degree of security, it functions similarly to a double-lock system installed on your front door. The second layer of two-factor authentication (2FA) could be a hardware token, a code from an application, or a text message. It ensures that passwords are not the only factor that determines who can access the server.

The significance of this becomes especially apparent in the event that the security of your password is ever hacked without your knowledge. If a hacker is able to obtain or guess your password, they will still be unable to access your server because the second factor prevents them from doing so. Consequently, two-factor authentication is effective against a wide variety of assaults, such as keylogging, brute force attacks, and phishing.

10. Deactivate the Root Login

VPS servers are usually controlled by root accounts. Consider it the main control panel—it can do anything. Naturally, hackers strive to access root accounts. Disabling root logins eliminates an attacker's main target. As a result, you significantly reduce a hacker’s ability to inflict harm on your operating system.

Additionally, disabled root logins prevent brute force attacks, where thieves guess several password combinations to get access. Deactivating root logins makes these assaults useless, improving server security. Alternatively, create a root-level command-level username for server configuration.

What to Look for in a Virtual Private Server Service Provider?

When selecting a virtual private server hosting provider, it is essential to take into consideration their dedication to security. You should look for service providers that place a high priority on security by providing robust firewall solutions, DDoS protection, network security features, and regular system updates. It is also important to be sure that the supplier has a reputation for stability and uptime, and that they offer customer assistance that is timely.

Evaluation of safe VPS hosting providers-

When assessing secure VPS hosting services, consider many security criteria given below:

1. Hardware and performance

Modern VPS services use sophisticated hardware for performance and security. Unmetered bandwidth helps manage traffic and prevent DDoS assaults.

2. Tech support 24/7

Internet infections and flaws never sleep. Tech support 24/7 implies someone is constantly ready to handle issues, especially brand-critical ones. A good VPS hosting service monitors the network 24/7 to discover security and technical concerns before anyone else. Alerts will notify you of any concerns, and the support crew is always available.

Business owners without an IT team or server experience find fully managed VPS hosting easier. For firms with server management professionals who can manually configure security solutions and traverse sophisticated controls, unmanaged VPS plans are superior.

3. Dependability, availability

Sustaining VPS security requires reliability. High uptime should be guaranteed by a reputable VPS hosting provider, and it should be backed by a safe, dependable data center infrastructure.

4. Patching and updates regularly

When you install timely updates to your operating system and programs, you are addressing vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. This is why it is essential to install these fixes. Maintaining a one-step advantage over cybercriminals is made possible by updates that include the most recent defenses against emerging threats.

Conclusion-

The process of securing your virtual private server (VPS) is an ongoing one that calls for preventative steps and constant awareness. You are able to improve the security of your virtual private server (VPS) by putting into practice the security procedures described in this article.