If you run a high-traffic website, chances are it is hosted on a Dedicated server. Dedicated Servers are the go-to hosting choice for websites and applications demanding ample resources in terms of CPU, storage, and processing. Unlike some of the low-end hosting solutions-shared, VPS or cloud-a dedicated server is all yours. You get complete control in terms of performance and security-you can configure it according to the needs of your business, select the operating system of choice and do a lot more.

Dedicated servers are also regarded as immensely secure-they operate in complete physical and virtual isolation. They also offer high-security encryption. The high level of customizability they offer allows you to install the add-ons you need to augment your security infrastructure. 

That said, cybersecurity hackers have become quite smart today. They are constantly devising sophisticated ways to attack dedicated servers in India. So, if you own a website that’s integral to the functioning of your business, you need to be aware of the potential threats to your server.

In this post, we’ll discuss the key threats that your dedicated server may face.

1) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

While hackers may not be able to access your website, they can definitely make it hard for everyone else to do so. Distributed denial of service, or DDoS, is a malicious attack where hackers spam a website by bombarding it with multiple requests. When the dedicated server hosting the site receives an overwhelmingly large number of fake requests, it simply cannot process them. The result-your website comes crashing down. This can lead to a high loss for your business. 

To counter any such attack, you can:

• Install robust firewalls that block out malicious requests from getting to your server.
• Monitor the server for signs of a sudden surge in traffic.
• Select hardware that offers the best possible resources for your server.

2) Password Breach

A major reason why so many businesses opt for dedicated servers is high security and control. Having said that, hackers can still gain access to your data using advanced tools and technologies. They can break into your hosting account using an effective tool: password. Yet, many dedicated server owners never invest in strong passwords. They have weak passwords that make them vulnerable to brute force attacks.

A short, simple password allows malicious users to crack your passwords and make a way into your systems quite easily. With a complicated password, the chances are reduced significantly. 

To ward off such attacks, you should:

• Use complex passwords that are a combination of words, numbers, and symbols.
• Not use your name, place of residence, employer’s name, or any other personal details as your password.
• Not use simple dictionary words as passwords.
• Change passwords every few weeks. The new password should not be the same as the older ones.
• Login through a secure SSL connection.

3) Malware Threats

Malware is a malicious program that’s created to steal data from your server.  Malware can be attached to your URL or with the software that users interact with on your website. Viruses, trojans, and spyware designed to steal information from your site fall under the category of malware. Because malware can be attached to your confidential information, it’s vital that you scan all files and applications before running them on the server. 

Here are some security measures you can take to ward off malware:

• Troubleshoot your website frequently for any aberrant behavior.
• Update your anti-malware software to avert the latest malware threats. 
• Test all software applications as well as unusual advertisements.
• Select a service provider that offers real-time server monitoring and vulnerability scanning.

4) Vulnerabilities in Server Software

Your dedicated server in India can also be breached through software running on it. Typically, hackers look for open ports to carry out brute force attacks. Whatever may be the operating system (OS) running on your server-Linux or Windows-your configuration may have additional software that can be accessed online. It may have vulnerabilities that you may not be aware of.  

To avoid a mishap, it’s recommended to keep only those ports that are absolutely necessary and close off the others. To avoid falling prey to such software vulnerabilities, you should:

• Update your software on a regular basis to make sure it has the latest security patches.
• Avoid using software that hasn’t been updated in a while. 
• Update the web applications you regularly use (e.g. WordPress) so as to minimize the chances of it getting exploited. 
• Use sandboxing tools to build a secure dedicated hosting environment.

The Final Word

Dedicated servers come with a range of benefits, but they can be vulnerable to attacks if proper security measures aren’t taken. To prevent any unsavory incident, it’s vital that you invest in premium-quality firewalls, use strong passwords, troubleshoot your site for aberrant behavior, update your anti-malware (and other software) frequently, and avoid the use of outdated software. If you don’t have the time/resources to invest in all this, simply hire a third-party and outsource server management to them.

The post Top Security Threats to Dedicated Servers and How to Tackle Them first appeared on Yogesh Gaur.