To launch your website online, you need a web hosting service. There are various options to choose from, like Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, Cloud Hosting, Dedicated Server Hosting, etc. Site owners tend to choose a plan that is best suited to their sites.
In recent years, many site owners prefer VPS Hosting due to the range of benefits offered by them. Among other features, site security is an area of focus for most site owners. While VPS Hosting is known as a secure hosting service due to account isolation and full root access that allows you to install any third-party security applications, there are certain steps that you can take to beef up the security of your VPS Server.
1. Change the standard login ID and password
When you buy VPS Hosting, the hosting providers give you a login ID and password to access your VPS. This is usually a standard ID and password that is given by the provider to most VPS users. The provider expects the users to change the ID and password. However, many users tend to ignore the instructions and keep using the standard login credentials. This becomes a security loophole since hackers who are aware of these standard credentials can access the VPS in no time. Hence, it is important to change the standard login credentials after buying a VPS Web Hosting plan.
2. Don’t use the default SSH port
Hosting providers also provide SSH access to VPS users. This is provided via an SSH port. Most providers offer it through a default port number that is common across all virtual servers. It is important to change this port number as hackers can gain unauthorized access via the SSH port.
3. Deactivate unused ports
A server has many ports used for different types of connections. However, most site owners don’t need all the ports. If the ports are open and unused, hackers can use them to access the server. Hence, it is important to close or deactivate all unused ports on your VPS. A ‘netstat’ command can list all open ports and help you close the ones that you don’t need.
4. Update regularly
Software and application developers release updates regularly. Most of these updates carry security patches that make them and the VPS Hosting Server secure. Therefore, ensure that you have a process in place to run updates as soon as they are released.
5. Take regular backups
Despite the range of security measures and tools used by you, a line of malicious code or virus can seep through the defenses and cause havoc on your VPS. This can also result in the site data getting corrupted. At such times, having the latest backup copy of the site can help you restore the website in no time. This works as the last line of defense for your server.
The following video further explains ways to secure your VPS Server:
Summing Up
A VPS is more secure than traditional servers. While choosing a VPS plan, you need to select between Windows and Linux VPS Hosting, HDD and SSD-based VPS Servers, managed and unmanaged services, and a range of other features. However, it is important to ensure that after purchasing the plan, you follow the tips mentioned above to boost the security of your VPS server. Good Luck!
