Server security requires ongoing diligence, as threats are constantly evolving in sophistication while new vulnerabilities are regularly uncovered. It's a full-time job, just keeping your defenses updated and strengthened.
The challenge of shoring up your virtual walls and gates has never been greater. Yet turning a blind eye to the risks of your data center is not an option either, as the potential damage from an infiltration ranges from mere annoyance to complete business disruption. In this environment, a proactive stance and commitment to security best practices are the only viable strategies.
Let’s scroll down and explore 11 measures you can implement to strengthen your server's defenses.
1. Control Who Has Access — And Revoke It When Needed
Limiting who can log into your system server limits who can potentially do harm. Be discriminating about granting access; only provide it to those who genuinely require it. And remember, people's needs change. Review accounts regularly and remove any that are no longer necessary. Tight access controls are your first line of protection.
2. Require Strong Passwords — And Change Them Often
Passwords are your enterprise server's first password of entry. So make sure to demand robust, unique passwords that would be difficult for attackers to guess or crack. Aim for long passcodes with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols changed every 30–90 days. Also, enable two-factor authentication for added verification when logging in. Strong, rotating passwords significantly heighten the security bar.
3. Install And Regularly Update Antivirus Software
Outdated antivirus leaves gaps that viruses and malware can seep through to infect your server.
- Install antivirus software from a reputable vendor and keep it up-to-date. New viruses and malware are emerging all the time, so your antivirus needs the latest definition files and program updates to recognize and defend against the latest threats.
- Configure regular scans of your compact server's files and storage locations. Daily quick scans plus a thorough weekly scan is a good baseline schedule. Scans identify any malware that has somehow slipped past your defenses.
- Enable real-time scanning and monitoring. With real-time protection switched on, any new or transferred files are scanned on the fly as they are accessed. This helps catch viruses before they can do damage.
- Review scan reports and quarantined files. Your antivirus should provide details of any issues detected. Inspecting scan logs helps ensure that no problems slip by unnoticed and that quarantined files are indeed malicious and don't belong on your server.
- Consider additional layers, like malware sandboxes. New zero-day threats may evade signature-based defenses. Using sandboxes and behavioral analysis adds an extra screening layer to identify suspicious files warranting further inspection.
Research updates to your antivirus vendor's offerings. Sign up for security bulletins so you learn of any important new features or enhanced protection layers to keep your antivirus deployment optimized over time. Multiple layers of antivirus protection are recommended, given today's evolving threats.
4. Enable Firewall Services
A firewall acts as a filter between your high-end server and the internet, blocking unauthorized access attempts. Make sure your server's firewall is switched on, configured securely, and being actively maintained. A firewall is a basic yet important part of a multi-layered security strategy.
5. Patch Operating Systems And Applications Promptly
Failure to promptly patch security holes is one of the biggest blunders organizations make. Yet regular updates are so vital—they fix vulnerabilities that malicious actors are eager to exploit. Configure your server to automatically install critical updates, or at least check for them weekly and install within 30 days. Delaying patches leaves windows of opportunity for intruders.
6. Monitor Logins And Login Attempts
Reviewing login records provides visibility into who is accessing your server and from where. It also shines a light on suspicious behavior like multiple failed login tries, which could indicate a brute force attack in progress. Ensure your servers for enterprise are configured to log these events comprehensively so you can monitor for anomalies or traces of infiltration. Timely detection aids in a faster response.
7. Back Up Regularly And Test Restores
Even the most secure of systems can face hardware failure or accidental data deletion. Ensuring you can recover quickly from such incidents is critical. Set up a backup solution and schedule that backs up your system server's data, applications and configurations to a separate location at least weekly. Then periodically test restores from backups to validate their integrity and your restoration procedures. Reliable backups are a lifesaver should trouble strike.
8. Consider Multifactor Authentication
Gone are the days when a username and password sufficed. Adding an extra layer of verification, like a one-time code tied to a separate device, increases security significantly. Look into multifactor authentication solutions your server supports and how you can implement them. The small bit of extra hassle deters the vast majority of would-be intruders.
9. Use Caution With Remote Access
While remote access enables flexibility, it also widens your attack surface. Make sure your server's remote access capabilities have strong authentication and all related software components are fully patched. Closely monitor logs for anomalies. And avoid using remote access for admin-level functions if possible; on-site access is most secure when you can manage directly. Remotely connecting requires special care.
10. Disable Unneeded Services
The more open services running, the greater number of avenues exist for intruders to try infiltrating. Review your enterprise server's services, identify any not explicitly required, and disable them to minimize accessible points of entry. A smaller attack surface makes your system that much harder to breach.
11. Consider Network Segregation
Separating networks by function, like keeping servers with sensitive data on their own closed-off subnet, is a wise security tactic. Should one segment be compromised, others will remain unscathed. Consult with an IT expert to evaluate your network setup and determine how further segregation could strengthen your defenses in depth. Compartmentalization is key.
In Summary
A holistic, layered approach to server security is needed given today's sophisticated threats. Implementing these 11 measures in an ongoing manner will serve to better safeguard your data and systems from the ever-evolving risk of intrusion and attack. Maintaining security requires vigilance, but following best practices like these helps tilt the odds in your favor. Your proactive efforts will be repaid for the protection of your valuable server resources.
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