How To Increase VPS Security | Top Tips VPS
For those of you who are still not familiar with VPS, you may still often wonder if a VPS is safe to use. In this post, we are going to know how to Increase VPS Security. It provides top tips on VPS Security.
VPS itself is actually one type of hosting that is safe and stable because it does not use a dedicated server space.
However, even though it is classified as safe to use, it does not mean that you can use it arbitrarily by not setting up VPS security.
The Importance of Increasing VPS Security
Setting up VPS security is one of the important things to do to avoid attacks by irresponsible hackers.
In fact, in this modern era, you may often find crimes in the digital world and other disasters that can certainly harm companies or individuals.
One of them is a server that is hit by a ransomware virus attack that can encrypt all files on the server so you can’t open those files.
Other problems that can occur if VPS security is not regulated, namely data theft, and servers that are not running optimally until the website stops operating.
Being aware of these risks is certainly a strong reason why VPS security needs to be regulated and improved.
Also Read: What is a VPS? Complete Explanation and Types
How to Improve Server Security in VPS
Although, when buying, usually the purchased VPS already has security, over time the server security may decrease due to certain factors.
To work around this you can use the following ways to increase VPS security.
How do you do that? Check out the complete information below.
1. Using SSH
The first way is to log in to the VPS server remotely via Secure Shell or SSH.
Login in this way is considered the most secure because SSH has been equipped with cryptographic encryption to run services on the network.
In addition, SSH also offers a high level of encryption. With this medium, you can receive unsafe traffic directly to be more secure.
2. Change Port for SSH Login
The next way is to change the port to log in to SSH. Usually, the default port for SSH is 22.
So it will be better if you change it and don’t let others know.
Changing the SSH port is also done to prevent malicious scripts from attacking directly to the default port.
To change it you can do this by accessing the SSH configuration file like /etc/ssh/sshd_config or you can customize it according to the operating system you are using.
Next, look for the line to set the port and change it according to the desired port.
Before changing it first make sure that the port is not colliding with other applications.
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3. Disable Root Account
You can also disable the root account before releasing the server because the root account has broad access and is free to open everything on the system.
It is certainly dangerous when there are users who access root without the admin’s knowledge.
For this reason, it is recommended that users should create a unique user account for each Linux VPS service. And also include permissions for each user to only do their work so that errors can be minimized.
Users should also deactivate all user accounts that are no longer needed in the system.
4. Use Complicated Passwords
The VPS security system can also be enhanced by using a complex password consisting of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters.
In addition to using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, you can also use numbers and symbols in your password.
Another step is to add an aging password or automatic notification. So that the user changes the password that is used periodically.
You also need to activate a blocking system that will activate if the user makes repeated login errors to prevent brute-force threats.
5. Latest Software Updates
In order to increase server security, you must also always update the latest software or software to minimize bugs that affect security in previous versions.
If you have updated with the latest software, then security is definitely improved.
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6. Disable Unused Network Ports
If the ports on the network are open and no longer used by the system. Then they have the potential to be attacked by hackers.
Therefore, it is recommended that you disable deprecated ports on the system in an effort to protect the server from attacks.
To see the open ports and associated services, you can use an application like netstat.
Apart from that, you also need iptables to close open ports and chkconfig to disable unwanted services.
7. Firewall Configuration
Firewall configuration is also required to increase VPS security. You can also use the NetFilter firewall which is integrated with the Linux kernel to filter unwanted traffic flows.
Another tool is TCP Wrapper which can be used to filter network access in various programs.
8. Install Antivirus/Antimalware
In addition to using a capable firewall, you also have to be willing to spend money to install the software in the form of antimalware or antivirus as a preventive measure against online attacks.
Also Read: VPS Advantages and Disadvantages You must Know
9. Block Anonymous Access to FTP
Giving access to unknown users to upload files to the server is one thing that is actually dangerous.
Therefore, you need to block anonymous user access to FTP since anyone can upload anything to the server.
However, for those of you cPanel or Plesk users, you don’t have to worry anymore because these features have been disabled.