🖥 Discover the best security practices for Servers or VPS 🔒

When we think about online security, we immediately remember breaches at big companies, at Wordpress or even at Google, for example. These security breaches, which can mean the theft of banking details, login credentials or other data, leave businesses exposed and, of course, customers end up losing trust in the brand.

Don't put off the security measures for your website and, therefore, for the server it is hosted on. Here are the best security practices so that your server never puts your customers' data at risk.

1. Always make backups and restore points

Backups and restore points tend to be forgotten. However, these tools are essential to keep any website secure. Always keep backups in a safe place, away from the main server, so you can make sure you always have access to the latest versions of the system and the stored data.

2. Network Monitoring

The company that manages the server or hosting should monitor the network and block any intrusion or suspicious activity. This security practice stops malware from spreading, or even settling, on the server where your website is hosted.

3. SSL, Firewalls and DDoS prevention

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks usually happen when an overwhelming surge of traffic is sent to websites, making them practically inaccessible to users. Prevention starts at the top of the network, with a good firewall. However, firewalls do not prevent every type of attack. So always keep an eye on the security standards followed by the people who manage the server hosting your website, such as using SSL certificates, for example.

4. Antivirus and malware detection

Always pay attention to the security measures taken by the company that manages your server, and to what you can also do internally to prevent possible breaches. Ask whether they have a technical support team available and ask for help installing antivirus software or detecting and removing malware.

5. Access and Permissions

Check how physical access to the server works, meaning the machines where your website is hosted, and also how logins are handled. Physical access to the hosting should be extremely difficult and only allowed to professional technicians or security staff. Another important security measure is to create an IP "whitelist" of addresses allowed to access the server for maintenance. Many hackers try to exploit these access points, so you can never be too careful.

6. File management

Since the server is accessed remotely, nobody should go in to add, remove or move your website's content. Always use FTP connections with strong passwords for any file transfer or maintenance.

7. Apps and logins

The company that manages your server should have internal security practices in place that include changing passwords often, and the same applies within your own business when it comes to the server. Encourage the use of strong, robust passwords, as many hackers try to attack by stealing these credentials. Remove from the server any app you do not use or that could create vulnerabilities. Install tools that keep the website online at all times.

Databases on the server are potentially vulnerable and are a target for hackers. Always pay attention to the security of this data.

Looking for secure hosting or servers? Visit our Hosting or Dedicated Servers section