Data and communications are the most valuable assets of any online business. Given that these assets are managed, stored, and exchanged through a VPS, maximizing VPS Security is the most sensible and necessary step you can take to protect these assets.
There are many solutions to improve VPS security, including updating server software, disabling root login, and enabling Two-Factor Password Authentication.
Of course, remember that these solutions can only improve VPS security if your chosen server has a secure and robust infrastructure to support these security optimization methods. Visit https://operavps.com/vps-server/ to find the ideal, secure solution for your needs!
Why Should You Secure Your VPS?
Today, cyber threats are growing as fast as other technologies, and the fact that an average cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds is a warning that you should take seriously.
All cyber-attacks have a common goal: to disrupt, damage, or steal information from the target system or server, and they do this in different ways.
Some examples of the consequences of a successful cyber attack:
- System or server infection with malware
- Leakage of sensitive customer information such as credit card information, passwords, and personal data
- Server disruption or failure and website/application downtime
- Loss of sensitive organizational data
- Breach of user privacy
- Loss of customer and investor trust
- Disclosure of confidential information about government systems
- Financial and operational losses
- Ransomware and threats in exchange for leaked information
If you don’t want to deal with such devastating consequences and instead focus on your development and growth goals, consider securing your VPS.
Top 15 Practices for VPS Security
In this section, we have prepared 15 top methods for you, using which you can learn how to secure a VPS Server.
1. Update Your VPS OS and Applications
Outdated software increases the server’s vulnerability to hacker attacks. So, keep the software on the server, including the operating system, applications, and drivers, updated to increase the VPS’s performance and security. This will ensure a win-win situation.
Try configuring the server so that updates are performed automatically, and all released patches are downloaded and installed as soon as possible. As a precaution, it is better to manually check the software version so there is no room for doubt.
2. Disable Root Login and Use Separate Admin User
Most hackers target the root account because it has the highest level of access and can gain complete control of the server by accessing it. It is best to disable the root account and use an account with appropriate privileges instead.
3. Configure Firewall to Block Malicious Traffic
The firewall is responsible for managing server traffic; by setting appropriate rules, you can prevent many attacks.
Some firewall-related solutions to increase VPS security:
- Block access to unused ports
- SSH access to trusted IP addresses
- Use the Chains rule to filter incoming and outgoing data packets
- Enable Stateful Packet Inspection firewall
- Restrict Access to Management Ports
- Set rate limits for ports
- Firewall Logging and Monitoring for timely detection of intrusion or suspicious behavior
4. Use SSH Keys for Server Login
Although strong passwords can increase VPS Security, Secure Shell (SSH) key pairs provide a more secure way to log in to your VPS.
SSH key authentication requires the creation of a public and private key pair. The public key is stored on the server, and the private key is stored on your device. When you log in, the server encrypts a random string with the public key, and your device decrypts it with the private key, so only you can access the server.
If you can properly configure SSH Keys and use them for authentication, you can make your server resistant to brute force and phishing attacks.
5. Enable Two-Factor Password Authentication
The more complex and secure the login process, the less likely unauthorized users are to access your VPS. If you add another layer of security (2FA) to this process, hackers cannot log in even if they have access to your account password. This is because another login step requires access to a mobile app or hardware token.
Enabling 2FA for all VPS accounts creates a significant barrier to unauthorized access and increases the overall security of the server.
6. Change the default SSH port
SSH runs on port 22 by default, which all hackers know, so this port is a familiar target for automated attacks.
By changing the SSH port number, you can prevent hackers from taking advantage of this opportunity and protect your server from hacker attacks.
It is better to use a less common and unpredictable port number so that this port number change has a positive result.
7. Use SFTP instead of FTP for File Transfer
FTP transfers files in plain text, making it easier for hackers to intercept sensitive information. It is best to use SFTP instead of FTP.
SFTP is the most secure file transfer protocol, encrypting all data to keep it private.
8. Install SSL Certificates
SSH certificates encrypt connections and data between the server and the client’s browser. This extra layer of protection transmits sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, in an untraceable format so that malicious actors cannot identify this data.
You can obtain SSL certificates from SSL providers who offer this service for a fee or for free.
9. Install and Use Malware Scanner
Malware includes many malicious agents, of which viruses and Trojans are members. With a suitable scanner, you can identify unwanted agents running on the server on time and prevent their dangerous activity.
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender are among the best malware scanners for Windows, and ClamAV and Chkrootkit are among the best Linux antivirus tools for detecting and removing all types of malware.
10. Implement DDoS Protection
DDoS attacks are among the most common cyber attacks where hackers try to drain the server’s resources by applying heavy traffic.
You should consider implementing DDoS Protection solutions so the server or website can maintain its uptime and continue its activities if it encounters these attacks.
DDoS Protection measures to increase VPS security:
- Continuously track site traffic
- Detect unusual spikes
- Manage Traffic and Bandwidth with Firewalls
- Create an automatic detection and response system
- Restrict access to valid IPs
- Use a Load Balancer to distribute traffic between multiple servers
- Increase Server Bandwidth
These measures will help you be prepared for DDoS attacks to minimize their impact on server performance and uptime.
11. Disable IPv6
IPv6, the newer version of the Internet Protocol, is not always essential for VPS configurations. However, improper configuration can create vulnerabilities, making your server an attractive target for cyberattacks.
Even if you are not actively using IPv6, some applications may still open listening sockets on it, potentially exposing your server to risks. So, it is better to disable the IPv6 protocol to keep your server secure.
12. Review User Permissions
If others have access to your VPS, ensure they are granted only the permissions necessary to complete their tasks—no more, no less. This will create a controlled environment resistant to abuse and unauthorized access.
Try to regularly review user rights to ensure they have the appropriate level of access and identify and remove outdated and unnecessary accounts.
13. Set Up a VPN for VPS
Setting up a VPN on your VPS creates an extra layer of security, protecting your data and communications from eavesdropping and intrusion.
14. Monitor Your VPS Regularly
Server logs contain important information about your VPS activity, and examining them carefully can yield valuable clues.
So try to:
- Regularly review necessary logs such as authentication, SSH, and application.
- Identify and resolve suspicious activity on time.
- Set up alerts for critical events to quickly notice unusual changes.
- Use tools such as Logwatch, GoAccess, and Graylog to automate log analysis.
- Restrict access to logs.
- Enable system event logging.
- Check the consumption of essential resources such as CPU and RAM.
15. Perform Regular Backups
Although using a secure VPS and implementing the above solutions can help increase server security, this does not mean your server will be safe from every danger and attack. So, it is better to be prepared for any risk by backing up your server files and Settings.
Some VPS providers have also added an automatic backup service to their plans to prevent data loss in the event of a security incident.
However, to keep sensitive server data safe and available, it is better to regularly back up the server and store it separately from the VPS.
How Can a VPS Server Be Hacked? Common VPS Vulnerabilities
A vulnerable VPS can be attacked in many ways. If you can identify the server’s weaknesses and implement related solutions, you can reduce the severity of this vulnerability.
Common VPS Vulnerabilities are:
Weak Passwords
Weak passwords provide an easier entry point for hackers, which is the type of unauthorized access to the server. Weak passwords can be a starting point for attacks like Brute Force and Dictionary Attacks. So try to set strong passwords for accounts and use stronger authentication methods like SSH Key and 2FA.
Outdated Software
Outdated software often lacks the latest security patches designed to mitigate server vulnerabilities. This allows hackers to exploit known vulnerabilities in older versions to launch attacks such as Code Injection and DDoS. So, keep your server software, especially the operating system, up to date.
Too many open and unused ports
Open ports are a gateway for hackers to enter without authorization. Attacks such as Port Scanning and Brute Force are usually carried out through open ports, which are very dangerous.
Keep only essential ports open and use a firewall to restrict access to these ports.
Inappropriate access permissions
If VPS users have too many permissions, the risk of hackers exploiting them for unauthorized access and insider attacks increases. So try to give each user access according to their needs and limit access to sensitive services and resources.
Incorrect server configuration
Poor firewall settings, services, protocols, or default server settings can increase a server’s vulnerability. Hackers can use these weaknesses to launch dangerous attacks like Privilege Escalation and Remote Code Execution.
So, try changing the default settings and optimizing the server by applying appropriate configurations.
Compromised Hosting Provider
If you purchase your VPS from a provider whose data center or physical server is insecure, you cannot do anything and must wait for the consequences. Even if you implement all the security measures, you still cannot prevent hackers from infiltrating and gaining unauthorized access.
So, to prevent these types of problems, it is better to choose your VPS from a reputable provider and ensure that it complies with all security standards.
Conclusion
To improve VPS Security, you should first purchase VPS from a reliable provider. Then, you can prevent all kinds of cyber attacks by implementing solutions such as changing the SSH port, keeping the server updated, and configuring the firewall. However, you must know that a VPS’s security level will never reach 100% because the hacking field is also developing daily, and you must keep up with this development.