5 Ways to Keep Your VPS Secure & Safe From Online Threats

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is used by many because it’s more affordable than dedicated hosting and it provides more reliability, performance, and security than shared hosting. These days, web hosting security is more important than ever with the prevalence of stolen personal and financial information, customer data loss, etc., that prove to be detrimental to organizations today. Having the right VPS security measures is a must to avoid having your security breached. With that, here are some security measures you need to know:

1. Modify Default SSH Login

Most VPS users use SSH or Secure Shell to log in to servers. The thing is, using an SSH method to access the server puts you at risk of a brute-force attack. A brute-force attack is when someone tries to log in to your SSH using different common passwords.

Avoid this from happening by changing the default SSH 22 port login password to a customized (and complex) one. Use strong passwords that consist of a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase characters, and non-alphanumeric characters.

2. Set Up a Firewall

A firewall is crucial because it blocks unwanted traffic. The good news is, most Linux-based OS already come with pre-installed firewalls, such as iptables. To make it easier, consider installing a free ConfigServer Firewall (CSF) that can provide better VPS security.

3. Monitor Server Logs

Stay in control over what goes on with your VPS by managing your server logs. Track your VPS systems and software to be prepared should any issues arise. Some of the most important things to monitor are events, resource usage, traffic levels, user activity, and software-generated errors.

Consider setting up email notifications for warnings and errors so you can get notified in real-time.

4. Update Software Versions

Not updating your software to the latest version puts you at a higher risk because it leaves your VPS more vulnerable out there. Updating software versions is easy; all it takes is a few clicks, and it will update on its own.

Consider automating the process depending on your system OS. For example, you have Debian to perform system updates. In that case, you can automate using a cron job, which is a Linux-based utility that schedules a command or script on your server to run at a specific time and date or through the control panel.

Moreover, if you use a Content Management System (CMS), always monitor for updates and install them as soon as they’re ready.

5. Ensure Server Is Protected From Malware

Besides setting up a firewall, you also need to ensure that all the files uploaded to your VPS don’t come with any malware or virus. Therefore, invest in anti-virus software that can detect suspicious activities and help you quarantine unwanted files.

Secure Your VPS Today

Your VPS can be vulnerable to online threats, which can turn into a big problem for your business. Therefore, knowing some of the security measures to take to prevent this from happening is crucial. Make sure you secure your VPS hosting! Aside from these security measures, it’s vital you get services from a reliable hosting provider to ensure maximum security and safety at all times. The web hosting provider you choose will make a lot of difference when it comes to security.

Order secure VPS now at IO Zoom. We are a Houston-based company that provides hosting solutions in eight data centers across the world. The goal is to provide the best hosting at an affordable price. Contact us today!