There are a million reasons it pays to keep your server safe. Obviously, if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re providing it as a business, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the only way to ensure customers stay happy. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s also how you avoid lawsuits. However, for anyone operating a server, for whatever reason, security needs to be the first priority. If that component is jeopardized, the entire server is no longer worth a dime.<\/p>\n
For most companies, security starts with having servers protected with passwords. Only those who have an acceptable one will be able to access the server. Unfortunately, most passwords just aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t very good. They may be fine for your personal email or a social media account, but we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re talking about servers here. Countless hackers will be more than willing to work very hard to find out how to crack your server\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s security.<\/p>\n
There are a number of ways this can be done<\/a>, by using common sense (pet\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, children and spouse\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s names, etc.) to Brute Force software attacks.<\/p>\n Use a secure password generator for your company, to minimize the chance of human error when picking one. Two-factor authentication will help as well.<\/p>\n Along with passwords, communications need to be the focus of your security measures as well. Instead of traditional FTP, use secure FTP, for example. Use SSH over telnet. Basically, be certain you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re using the most secure form of the communication line you prefer.<\/p>\n VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are an absolute must here as well. Sharing networks may be ok for private individuals, but not for those operating servers. Fortunately, VPNs are more affordable than ever.<\/p>\n All endpoints in your operation should be secured by firewalls; this includes desktops as well as servers. In this day and age, encrypting your emails should also go without saying.<\/p>\n Although using secure communication lines might seem like a no-brainer, it turns out that this is an area where a lot of companies<\/a> drop the ball. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t make things easier on would-be hackers by leaving the door open for them.<\/p>\n Even with quality firewalls in place and a password generator ensuring your server\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s security, the very code you rely on could be what betrays you. Whether it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s someone on staff who wrote your code or you hired out, be sure to have a third-party audit it with an eye for any flaws that may hurt your security. Opportunities in your code will be easy for an ambitious hacker to take advantage of.<\/p>\n Along the same lines, if you have a software installed that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not using, you need to get rid of it. For one, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s unnecessarily draining resources. However, it also represents another opportunity for a hacker to drill into your server if they know how to compromise the superfluous software.<\/p>\n Above all else, keep things simple when it comes to your server\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s security. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not to say you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to use the best options available for your needs, of course. It just means that if you start trying to leverage too many security protocols, something is bound to get lost in the mix and work to a hacker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s advantage.<\/p>\n The same goes with the instructions you give to your staff. Something like a password generator is a smart way to ensure employees don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even have the opportunity to make a mistake by overcomplicating things.<\/p>\nSecure Communications<\/h2>\n
Audit Your Code<\/h2>\n
Only Install Critical Software<\/h2>\n
Keep Things Simple<\/h2>\n