A good website provider ensures uncompromised security for a robust online presence. They do this by adopting advanced security protocols, continuous monitoring, proactive threat detection, etc.

With the anticipation of the dedicated server market growing at 18.9% CAGR, businesses need more robust measures to secure their dedicated servers and overcome evolving cyber threats. 

Staying ahead of potential vulnerabilities will safeguard sensitive data and maintain the integrity of your server infrastructure. In this article, Let us understand the 10 best ways to secure your dedicated server.

Reasons to Secure Dedicated Server

A dedicated server offers complete ownership and control over your hosting environment with the biggest advantage of flexibility. 

This means you are responsible for implementing security measures for your hosting environment. Here are a few reasons to secure your dedicated server-

• Shield against Malware

When you secure your dedicated server with dedicated server security, you create a shield against malicious software. You need to choose a hosting provider that adopts and practices regular vulnerability scans and real-time monitoring to protect your server.

• Discourages Password Breach

Weak passwords are sensitive and vulnerable, opening the doors for hackers. Therefore, such security practices help to ensure you create strong, unique passwords with a mix of letters and number symbols of different access. You can change them regularly for an additional layer of security.

• Secures Vulnerabilities

When you adopt security practices, you are regularly updated, which reduces the risk of breaches.

1. DDoS-protected dedicated server.

Your dedicated server package will have DDoS protection to safeguard against DDoS attacks, downtime, or financial loss.

10 Ways to Secure Your Dedicated Server

• Regular Software Updates

Hackers are constantly finding vulnerabilities and targeting systems with outdated software and applications. Therefore, to maintain the most dedicated server security, it is essential to adopt the practice of timely monitoring your system updates by enabling auto-updates.

 Even if you are not using some old software, it is still vulnerable; therefore, delete the unused one, which automatically eliminates the risk of threat.

• Conduct Regular Malware Scans

Conduct a routine scan of your dedicated server for malware. Anti-virus software can detect and quarantine malicious attacks, serving as a proactive defense.

• Always Ensure Using Secure Networks 

 Ensure you use a secure connection and avoid using public networks. Public networks are vulnerable, increasing the chances of server credentials getting exposed.

Also, if you make use of a public network, make sure you use a VPN to encrypt the traffic.  

• Switch Up Your SSH Port

Hackers mainly target standard SSH to make dedicated servers vulnerable. As the default port (22) is widely known, it is the most vulnerable. 

Therefore, make security changes and opt for a port number higher than 1024. Most hackers target lower port ranges, so this step makes the dedicated server secure.

• Limit root access

Keep root access as limited as possible. And create and allocate separate user accounts with restricted privileges as per their usage. By using this approach, you ensure uncompromised server security.

• Enforce Strong Passwords

Avoid ordinary or easily guessed words and regularly change all passwords. For added security, consider implementing two-factor authentication. This ensures unauthorized access to your dedicated server.

• Always Backup Your Data

Data loss is always unexpected, whether it is because of a cyberattack, hardware failure, or natural disaster. To safeguard your information, you need to maintain regular backups. You can follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy-

• Create at least three backups saved in two different storage locations.
• Create an offsite backup to mitigate risks.

Diversifying your backups ensures resilience against unforeseen disasters.

• Guard Against SQL Injections

SQL injections target server databases, increasing the risk of data theft. You can mitigate this danger by limiting access. You can remove unnecessary services and files that are vulnerable to exploitation.

• Select a Hosting Provider That Ensures Against DDoS Attacks

Choose a hosting provider that is equipped with a DDoS shield. This defense system identifies and blocks suspicious bulk requests, safeguarding your server from DDoS attacks.

• Opt for a Managed Dedicated Server

Professionals manage dedicated servers, therefore ensuring your server is up to date. They further monitor actively for any fishy activity, ensuring the utmost security of your dedicated server.

Conclusion

With the help of this guide, you can secure your web hosting environment, ensuring utmost security against evolving risks.