Protecting your Linux VPS from cyber threats and attacks is crucial to ensure its safety and continuity. However, it’s not a one-time task and requires continuous monitoring and applying the best security practices.
Managing the hosting setup can be challenging for non-technical users. A control panel or c-panel is typically provided with VPS Hosting plans to assist such users.
cPanel VPS has numerous security mechanisms to safeguard your virtual server. However, it is only available with Linux-based hosting, and for many Linux hosting users, it is the preferred choice.
We will first discuss why cPanel VPS is an excellent hosting platform and explore various security measures to ensure your VPS’s safety.
Why Choose c-panel Hosting
One reason cPanel-based web hosting is popular is its versatility for experts while being easy for beginners to grasp.
cPanel offers an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the management of domains, email accounts, databases, and other aspects of a VPS server. This ease of use allows users to perform tasks without requiring technical expertise.
In addition, cPanel has several security features that safeguard the server from unauthorized access and attacks. These features include firewalls, virus scanning, and spam filters. Furthermore, the software is frequently updated to address any potential vulnerabilities.
How to Secure VPS?: VPS Security Checklist
Modify the Default SSH Port
One of the initial steps in configuring a server is to modify the listening port of the SSH service. Unfortunately, the default port, 22, is a common target for hacking attempts by automated programs.
Therefore, changing this setting to a different port can be an effective way to enhance server security. To change the default SSH login password,
- Log in to the Virtual Private Server (VPS) and locate the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file.
- Edit the file by changing the PermitRootLogin setting from YES to NO to disable root login. For even higher security, it is advisable to use SSH key authentication rather than password authentication, as it is more resilient against brute-force attacks.
Deploy a Firewall
A system administrator typically sets up a firewall as one of the primary tools to secure VPS Hosting and network access. The firewall functions prevent malicious traffic from entering while allowing legitimate traffic through.
ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF) is a widely used firewall utility among Linux server owners due to its proven effectiveness. If a DDoS attack targets a server, CSF can greatly assist in mitigating the threat.
Entrust in a Malware Scanner
While using a Linux VPS server reduces the number of security concerns compared to a Windows machine, using a malware scanner that performs regular checks for harmful code and infected files is still vital.
Employ Spam Filters
In corporate settings, spam filters are more critical to reducing the volume of unsolicited emails in employees’ inboxes. Attackers often focus on phishing campaigns aimed at gullible employees, with devastating consequences.
Use Strong Passwords to Protect Login Credentials
Weak passwords are responsible for a vast majority of data breaches. Avoid using personally identifiable information or simple phrases and instead create a long and complex password that includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Use SSL Certificates Wherever Possible
SSL certificates safeguard sensitive information and maintain privacy by establishing an encrypted connection between the server and the client. As a result, they are essential for all types of hosting, such as transmitting files, sending emails, or entering login details.
Conclusion
When searching for a VPS server host, it’s essential to read reviews to evaluate their service and security reputation. To find a secure VPS server host, consider these factors:
- Server location
- Measures in place to mitigate power outages at the data center
- Physical security measures at the data center
- Availability of onsite support for physical server maintenance
- Network monitoring
- Backups for your data and applications
- DDoS prevention measures
- The backup network plans in case of a service outage.