10 Ways To Secure Your Linux VPS

By Holly 3 years ago
8 Ways To Secure your Linux VPS Server

VPS Server Hosting is a hosting server that hosts multiple websites on a primary server, but each website within the server receives its own Virtual Private Server for hosting purposes. Meaning, if you buy VPS Hosting solutions for your website, you can leverage the server’s exclusive resources with full root access, resulting in high reliability, performance, and security.

You can either go for Windows or a Linux VPS Hosting Server for your website per your business needs. Security is an increasing concern and top priority for several websites.

The following video explains the difference between a Linux and a Windows VPS Server:

Linux VPS Vs  Windows VPS – How to Choose?

A Linux VPS Server offers much enhanced and better security than a Windows VPS Server because of LSM (Linux Security Model). However, through the right configurations, you can strengthen its security even further. Let us find out how.

How can I secure my Linux VPS Server?

Here are 10 ways to secure your Linux VPS Server for enhanced website protection against hackers and online attackers.

1.      Disable root logins

You must never log in as a root user if you wish to secure your Linux VPS Server.

The username of every Linux VPS is by default “root”, allowing hackers to guess the password and gain access to your account through brute force attacks. Therefore, when you disable root logins, it prevents hackers from guessing your account credentials.

Therefore, you must ensure to create non-root user credentials and disable the “root” account.

To disable root login, open the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file, and look for the “PermitRootLogin” parameter. By default, this parameter will say, “yes”. You must change it to “no”.

2.      Change the SSH port

Changing your SSH port number prevents hackers and malicious scripts from finding and connecting to your default port 22.

To change your SSH port, go to /etc/ssh/sshd_config and make the appropriate changes. Make sure to check if other services do not utilize the changed port number.

3.      Disable open or unused network ports

Open and unused network services are easy targets for online attackers and hackers. To avoid getting attacked, you must disable these ports.

Go to the “netstat” command to view every currently open network port and its services. Then, you can either use the “chkconfig” command to disable unused and unwanted services or set up “iptables” to close every open port.

4.      Disable IPv6

Hackers often use IPv6 to send malicious code and traffic. Therefore, leaving the IPv6 protocol open is risky and an open invitation to your VPS Server exploitation.

To avoid this situation, you must edit /etc/sysconfig/ network and update settings to read NETWORKING_ IPV6=no and IPV6INIT=no.

5.      Use a strong password

Weak and easy-to-guess passwords are one of the largest and most common security threats. You must not allow your users to have passwords like “123456”, “pqrst”, or “xyz123”.

Having strong passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters protects your VPS Hosting Server, enhancing security.

In addition, using the “faillog” command and setting a login failure limit locks the account after repetitive login attempts failures, protecting the server from brute force attacks.

6.      Use a firewall

A firewall is a primary and first line of security that either allows or disallows server access. When it comes to securing your VPS Server, the first step is to install and configure a firewall.

7.      Use SFTP and not FTP

The FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is outdated and least secure, even with “FTP over TLS” (FTPS). In both cases, only the credentials are secured and encrypted.

SFTP or Secure FTP encrypts and secures all data. Including the transferred files and credentials.

8.      Perform regular backup

Performing regular server backup is highly recommended, and failing to do so is an unnecessary risk no website owner should take.

Having the latest backup version of your website stored in a cloud allows you to access it anytime from anywhere in no time.

9.      Use security keys for identification

Through security keys, you can easily access your terminal without having to enter the password. In addition, it also allows you to disable password login, preventing the need to connect a password to the server.

10. Keep your server updated

To avoid and reduce performance and security issues, you must regularly update your Linux VPS Server.

In the latest released OS versions, security improvements and patches are included to discover vulnerabilities. However, an outdated server is vulnerable and highly prone to getting hacked and attacked.

Summing Up

A Linux VPS Server is highly secure. However, you can enhance its security through the ten ways mentioned above in this article.

If you want a secure and reliable VPS Server, buy VPS Hosting solutions from a reliable hosting provider. They offer performance-driven, enhanced security, and flexible VPS Servers at a cost-effective rate. Therefore, choose a suitable plan and take a step towards your website’s growth.