5 Secrets to Your Virtual Private Server

Hosting your site on a virtual private server can bring a lot of advantages to you and your site management. With more flexibility of operations, enhanced security, more control, and efficiency, VPS web hosting is undoubtedly the choice of most site owners. However, with better technologies comes greater responsibilities of keeping it safe and free from threats.

While it is the responsibility of your hosting provider to keep your server secure at all times, as a site owner, you should also be aware of some basic steps to ensure a safe hosting environment.

Here are some of the most tried and tested ways to secure your VPS host.

Secure your cPanel and Plesk control panels using-

• Long passwords – Contrary to popular belief, simply adding special characters and making the password complicated are not enough to secure your system. Rather, a longer password can be more effective. Beyond the standard 8-16 characters, a long password, even without special characters, can be strong and difficult for automated hacking tools to crack.
• Software patching – The VPS control panels allow you to update the software within their web interfaces. Always keep them updated, so you get the best performance along with the latest security updates, to keep your server system secure at all times.
• Security Advisor – Security Advisor is a tool that is available in both cPanel and Plesk and offers your immediate security assistance. Make the most of this option to integrate additional firewalls, encrypt SSL certificates of your site, and check for regular server system upgrades.

Run only those services that are necessary.

Since VPS server allows, most often than not, people tend to run multiple services on a single machine. But not necessarily all services are used at all times. The ones which are not active and come via third parties are likely to carry threats to the server. It is recommended that you check with your service provider about the active services and remove those that are not necessary.

Deactivate the Root Account on your Linux VPS

If you are running a Linux VPS, then this is a critical step to follow. Although you get root access, it is better to avoid the same and opt for pseudo access instead. Thus, the root will be safe from unwarranted access. You can create multiple users accounts for all parties involved in the server management. You can restrict privileges and permissions to particular tasks, thus eliminating chances of mistakes or exposing sensitive data.

Get rid of unwanted protocols on Windows VPS

There are many ways you are secure your Windows VPS, but this remains of the most common tips. By regularly auditing your server, you can gauge what services you need for the effective functioning of the system, and which are irrelevant. Thus, by removing unnecessary services and associated files, you can effectively reduce the chances of threats.

Always download software from secured sources

No matter which OS you are using for your VPS, you should always download software and other server applications only from trusted, official sources. Files from unauthorized and unverified sites often come with hidden codes that can harm your server system.

Summing up…

Security of your server is non-negotiable. Although you can never be completely failsafe, you can always do your best to ensure that your site data and your users’ personal information are safe at all times. Additionally, always seek hosting service from a reliable and trusted service provider who can equip you with the best security measures.