November 21, 2011
The Quickie Guide to Control Panel Security
We get it, we really do: Managing your dedicated server from the command line is a huge hassle that more often than not feels daunting. Having to type all those strings and manage scripts, files, and lines you can’t physically see is an infuriating process. Thankfully, some smart lads somewhere came up with the idea of a control panel—that graphical front-end for all the kernel functions your server performs. But just because your control panel is easy to use does not mean it’s nearly as secure! In fact, resorting entirely to using a control panel may in fact leave your server open to unwanted visitors.
That doesn’t mean you should ditch your beloved cPanel, but it does mean you should weigh the security risks of using such a system. It’s not impossible to safeguard your control panel, and in fact, we’re going to show you how starting below.
1. Firstly, ensure that you’re always using a secure connection when accessing your control panel. You don’t even need to purchase an SSL certificate to engage an encoded line. With each log-in, simply generate a temporary certificate and access the control panel using HTTPS.
2. Next, always use a secure password within your system. This password should be easy enough to remember—or write down, as losing it will be a hassle—but unique enough to not be easily hacked. Create passwords that use mnemonics, rather than traditional phrases.
3. Then, keep everything locked down as much as possible. This means restricting your server users to their leased spaces and keeping their hands out of the root’s pockets. Primarily, be positive at all times that your users are not accessing your panel, as this could potentially prove dangerous.
4. Lastly, avoid public locations when accessing your control panel. We know working at a coffee shop can be both relaxing and energizing—Hello, caffeine!—but unless that Starbucks Wi-Fi is completely secure, you’re running the risk of compromising your entire system. It’s never okay to be too relaxed, but if you’re like us, you haven’t got much of a problem being absolutely paranoid.
Now that all of that is out of the way, simply enjoy your control panel! That graphical front-end is the best thing to happen to dedicated server hosting since the invention of the command line. And now that yours is secure, you can manage without worry!
Categories: cPanel Tutorials |
Tags: password,
scripts,
system,
dedicated server,
dedicated,
server,
best hosting,
control panel,
dedicated hosting,
hosting server,
server security,
SSL,
SSL certificate,
leased server,
security,
type-in,
secure server,
dedicated server hosting,
security risks,
cPanel control panel,
password security,
passwords,
hosting security,
secure hosting,
IT hosting,
IT,
server files,
IT security,
kernel,
security system,
server functions,
secure passwords,
dedicated connection,
hacked,
security risk,
server connection,
cPanel
Post comment: