Server security is just one part of a broader, holistic network security strategy. Whereas server security refers specifically to the measures taken to protect your web servers and the data they process, network security also includes things like firewalls and antivirus software to protect other parts of the network.
Employee laptops, smartphones, and other internet-connected devices are all parts of your network that should be secured against threats. Phishing emails, spoof websites, and malicious applications are just a few of the risks, which is why it’s important to use comprehensive endpoint protection in addition to web server security. This encompasses perimeter security, such as firewalls, as well as software that prevents potential threats from entering your network undetected.
How to secure your web server
To set up a secure new web server, or improve the security of your business’s existing web servers, there are several simple steps you can take.
- Remove unnecessary services
Default operating systems and configurations lack comprehensive security. Generally speaking, there are many network services included in a default installation that won’t be used, from remote registry services to print server service and other features.
The more services you have running on your server operating system, the more ports are left open – meaning more doors into the network that a malicious hacker could exploit. As well as helping with security, removing unnecessary services can also boost your server performance. - Create separate environments for development, testing, and production
Developing and testing are often done on production servers, which is why you may sometimes come across websites or pages online that feature details like /new/ or /test/ in the URL. Web applications that are in their early development stages will often have security vulnerabilities and can be exploited using freely available online tools.
You can help to minimize the risk of a breach by keeping development and testing to servers isolated from the public internet, and not connecting them to important data and databases. - Set permissions and privileges
Network service permissions, and file permissions, play a crucial role in your network security. If your web server is compromised through network service software, the bad actor can use whichever account the network service is running to carry out tasks. Because of this, the simple act of setting minimum privileges for users to access web app files and back end databases can be instrumental in preventing loss or manipulation of data. - Keep patches up to date
As mentioned earlier in this article, failure to keep software up to date with the latest patches can allow cybercriminals to reverse-engineer pathways into your network. - Segregate and monitor server logs
As part of your regular security testing, store your server logs in segregation, and monitor and check them frequently. Unusual log file entries reveal information about attempted and successful attacks and should be investigated as and when they arise. - Install a firewall
Software-based firewalls are easy to set up and manage and will protect your web servers from unauthorized communication and intrusions. - Automate backups
Making regular server backups ensures that if your security defenses are compromised, you can recover and restore data quickly. Automation can improve efficiency, but an IT employee should check for issues that may have interrupted the process.
Server security software
Your business’s cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest link. Along with regular training for system administrators and IT professionals to ensure knowledge is up to date with the latest threats, all entry points into your network must be protected and secured with professional endpoint protection.
Learn how Avast Business endpoint protection can help defend your business against malware, data breaches and advanced attacks.
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