When hiring a VPS service, it is essential to consider the security aspects that must be safeguarded to avoid this innovation creating risks, both for the company and for our customers. In this sense, it is crucial to implement mechanisms to ensure VPS security, especially if we choose an unmanaged VPS service.
As a basic analysis, it is essential to know the level of security of our web hosting, as this will be our starting point for taking the necessary considerations. Also, we must remember that this aspect is one of the key factors in our choice between a managed VPS system or an unmanaged VPS. From here, we need to consider three key aspects when analyzing the security measures to be taken: configuration, adopting a new technological routine, and monitoring server performance.
Key Aspects of VPS Security
- Configuration
a) Configure Fail2Ban
It is essential to configure Fail2Ban to ensure VPS security. This application can block remote connections that attempt to access our system using brute force to crack our passwords and breach the system.
b) Configure a VPN for Your VPS
Part of VPS security involves setting up a VPN. This will allow your IP address to remain hidden while accessing the network via an encrypted tunnel. In public networks, this can provide the necessary layer of security.
c) Configure a Firewall
A firewall helps protect private networks from unverified and unauthorized access. Therefore, it is indispensable for VPS security.
- Internal Firewall (IP Tables)
Linux systems usually come with an internal firewall, IP Tables. With this system, it’s possible to monitor traffic to and from the server, allowing adjustments to necessary restrictions.
- UFW Firewall
It is also recommended to complement the internal firewall with an UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) for additional monitoring of incoming and outgoing traffic. This can deny incoming connections while allowing outgoing ones, significantly reducing the risk of threats. It is easy to use and can be tailored to the company's specific needs.
d) Disable IPv6
Enabling IPv6 increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, as it is the primary mechanism used by hackers to send malicious traffic, whether it's being used or not. Therefore, it is preferable to disable it.
2. New Routine
a) Keep Your Applications Updated
Outdated software can increase the system's vulnerability. Therefore, it is crucial to keep applications up-to-date. Regular checks of systems should be part of the routine to ensure we have the latest versions.
b) Install Antivirus Software
As a security measure for VPS, it is essential to install antivirus software to monitor the files stored in the VPS and protect the server. Maintaining an active and updated antivirus program will enhance the system’s overall security.
c) Use Secure Passwords
Passwords protect our information, so it is important to make them as strong as possible to ensure VPS security. Passwords should be long and contain a combination of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, it is recommended to update them regularly and avoid reusing old passwords.
d) Start Using SSH Keys
SSH keys are more secure than passwords and allow for safer authentication. These can be very long, up to 4096 bits. They come in two sets: the public key is stored on the server, and the private key is stored on the user’s device. Login attempts generate random keys that can only be decrypted with the private key.
e) Use SFTP Instead of FTP
FTP connections only encrypt credentials, not file transfers. In contrast, SFTP is a secure version of FTP that encrypts all data, providing protection against attacks, as the client is authenticated before accessing the system.
3. Monitoring
a) Check User Permissions
If multiple users are accessing the VPS, the system's vulnerability increases. Therefore, to ensure VPS security, it is essential to manage users and their permissions, such as root-level privileges.
b) Monitor Server Logs
It is crucial to monitor the server logs to stay informed about what is happening and any potential vulnerabilities that may arise. We can also access a server status report to keep it in optimal condition.
Conclusion
By following these tips that focus on configuration, security routines, and process monitoring, it is possible to secure a VPS. This way, the innovation that this system represents for improving our virtualized processes will generate benefits and not pose a risk to the company. Monitoring security and controlling server vulnerabilities is crucial in this era when cyberattacks are increasingly frequent and dangerous.
If you believe that safeguarding all these processes is unmanageable for your company or requires a larger investment in your tech department, the best option is to contract a managed VPS system, where you can request them to handle these processes. It is possible to delegate these responsibilities, but it is not advisable to overlook them, as the security of the data, processes, and maintenance of company operations depend on it.
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