5 security tips for a new VPS user
A VPS opens up a world of possibilities… and also of dangers. Security threats are present on any platform and also affect private virtual servers. If you're not used to dealing with server security on your own, here are 5 security tips for a new VPS user.
1) Protect logins. This means that you should use strong passwords, limit SSH access at the user level (and also IP if possible) and disable direct login via root (you will need a user capable of doing su / sudo).
2) Add protection layers. This means that you will need firewalls, a system that detects brute force attacks and any form of protection you can imagine for your VPS.
3) Monitor your server. You do not need to check your VPS constantly, but it is always a good idea to have monitoring software to let us know in case of problems.
4) Make backups. Remember to back up your settings and files with frequencies in case the worst happens. Remember to test your backups to make sure they work as they should.
5) Look for vulnerabilities. You can start with a rootkit search engine and then continue doing other tests. Try to find all possible vulnerabilities.
As an extra tip, remember to also keep the software of your server and your sites always up to date. The responsibility for a VPS can get very large, so do a lot of research on system administration and the software you use.
1) Protect logins. This means that you should use strong passwords, limit SSH access at the user level (and also IP if possible) and disable direct login via root (you will need a user capable of doing su / sudo).
2) Add protection layers. This means that you will need firewalls, a system that detects brute force attacks and any form of protection you can imagine for your VPS.
3) Monitor your server. You do not need to check your VPS constantly, but it is always a good idea to have monitoring software to let us know in case of problems.
4) Make backups. Remember to back up your settings and files with frequencies in case the worst happens. Remember to test your backups to make sure they work as they should.
5) Look for vulnerabilities. You can start with a rootkit search engine and then continue doing other tests. Try to find all possible vulnerabilities.
As an extra tip, remember to also keep the software of your server and your sites always up to date. The responsibility for a VPS can get very large, so do a lot of research on system administration and the software you use.
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