Security Tips for Windows Dedicated Hosting
The opportunities are abundant on today’s internet. With the emergence of e-commerce and millions of people surfing online at every moment of the day, virtually anyone has a shot at succeeding and generating income from the internet. Unfortunately, similar opportunities exist for more unscrupulous characters, individuals looking to make their profit off your hard work. Hackers and malicious software coders are not only a threat to the consumer-based PC, but the high-powered server running your website as well.
With so many probable threats, adequate security is an absolute must for anyone running an internet business. This is particularly true if you are hosting on your very own dedicated server and using the Windows platform. For some, this is challenging as maintaining a server and keeping it running properly is a task in itself. Because security translates into a long-lasting business and customer satisfaction, we will provide you with a few tips to make sure your Windows dedicated server is as secure as possible.
Password Protection
Never look at passwords as just some optional feature that you can do without. The sensitive areas of your server need to be locked down to prevent unauthorized access. If not, you can be the victim of a hacking attack, defacing or even hit with a nasty infection that compromises the entire system. For these reasons, your passwords should be secure and unpredictable. Refrain from simple terms and phrases that can be found in a dictionary. Instead, come up with something at least eight characters in length with a nice blend of numbers, letters and symbols. This constitutes as a strong password which will make the vital areas of the server much harder to penetrate.
Hardened Shell Access
One of the most effective ways to ensure the security of a Windows dedicated server is to secure the SSH function. This can be done by disabling the password authentication scheme and using public key encryption for SSH authentication instead. Port 22 is known as one of the most vulnerable points of entry, commonly searched by intruders looking to access web servers. By moving SSH access to another port, no one will be able to find you aside from those who know where your server is located. Additionally, you should make sure to utilize the most recent version of SSH are prevision versions tend to be more vulnerable after hackers find ways around the security mechanisms.
Hardened Apache
Ensuring the security of your Apache server application is one of the most important aspects of keeping a Windows dedicated server protected. Because Apache is a widely used solution, it is also a prime target for intruders looking to gain access via server applications. The best way to secure this critical application is to use an efficient mod security tool. You can learn more about the benefits about mod security at modsecurity.org.
Disable Unused Applications
Aside from Apache, general web applications pose great security risks. An experienced intruder can take advantage of the smallest scripting error and use it to hack into your system. The worst part of all, there is a great chance you will not even be aware until the damage is done.
Conclusion
Web security is vital these days, especially when a Windows server is involved. This system has been the target of many brutal attacks that have left the most prominent companies staggering. By taking a few preventative measures to lock down your dedicated server, you can better your chances of not becoming another statistic.
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